New reality working in Nigeria! Ugh!!
- Thread starter SittingElf
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SittingElf
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Just to clarify my "armpit" comment. It has absolutely no disrespect for the Nigerian people. I work with many Nigerians who are some of the most dedicated, ambitious, and hard working folks I've ever had the pleasure of working with....including many who are my copilots.... all university educated and working diligently to remain out of poverty. The government and much of the country's infrastructure is another story.
More to the issue is that the problems in Nigeria stem primarily from corruption and mismanagement. Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa, and one of the top 10 in the entire world. Yet, half of the country doesn't have clean, or even running water. Electricity is a joke with daily outages that require virtually every business to have generators. Malaria is rampant, and there is no process in place to try and mitigate the mosquito problem. Lagos, the most populated city in Africa has a total of ONE...count it...ONE working traffic light. In Port Harcourt, where I am based, there are NO traffic lights, and an afternoon trip from our base to one of our residences....a matter of about 5 miles...can take 90 minutes at times. Security is another issue that affects expats like myself with the potential for kidnapping, robbery, and cons. We do not have freedom of movement, and cannot go anywhere without armed security. The threat level is constantly a concern. More than 1/3 of all oil produced is stolen inside the country. Ebola is currently absent from the country, but most expect it back at any moment due to porous borders. Boko Haram (a large terrorist organization allied with ISIS) is wreaking havoc in the North, and threatening to come further South into Lagos and Port Harcourt.
So... "armpit" is realistic, and rest assured that probably more than 50% of the population would rush to another country if they had the means. I have been to a lot of African countries, but Nigeria is among the worst. I work there because our financial compensation reflects the hardship and potential dangers we face daily...and that compensation allows for my unfettered addiction to Festool Products!! [big grin]
Cheers,
Frank
More to the issue is that the problems in Nigeria stem primarily from corruption and mismanagement. Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa, and one of the top 10 in the entire world. Yet, half of the country doesn't have clean, or even running water. Electricity is a joke with daily outages that require virtually every business to have generators. Malaria is rampant, and there is no process in place to try and mitigate the mosquito problem. Lagos, the most populated city in Africa has a total of ONE...count it...ONE working traffic light. In Port Harcourt, where I am based, there are NO traffic lights, and an afternoon trip from our base to one of our residences....a matter of about 5 miles...can take 90 minutes at times. Security is another issue that affects expats like myself with the potential for kidnapping, robbery, and cons. We do not have freedom of movement, and cannot go anywhere without armed security. The threat level is constantly a concern. More than 1/3 of all oil produced is stolen inside the country. Ebola is currently absent from the country, but most expect it back at any moment due to porous borders. Boko Haram (a large terrorist organization allied with ISIS) is wreaking havoc in the North, and threatening to come further South into Lagos and Port Harcourt.
So... "armpit" is realistic, and rest assured that probably more than 50% of the population would rush to another country if they had the means. I have been to a lot of African countries, but Nigeria is among the worst. I work there because our financial compensation reflects the hardship and potential dangers we face daily...and that compensation allows for my unfettered addiction to Festool Products!! [big grin]
Cheers,
Frank
just to push YOUR button Frank: How hard is it to get some recommendations, interview a plumber, an electrician, a handyman, etc. and find someone that your wife can call when she has house problems. C'mon there, Mr. Contingency Plan, you're driving yourself ragged...
SittingElf
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teocaf said:
Heh heh... Boy don't I wish! [wink]
When the wife can't take a shower or give my son a bath.... panic ensues! No time for research and interviews. Time to get the rear end moving! [big grin] And my wife can't stay at home awaiting a repairman during the week even if I was to find one from afar. (She's an Air Force Lt. Col and senior commander.)
My Angie's List subscription is only valid in Florida, so just had to hurry to the house and find a solution in order to make sure my wife doesn't look and smell like a tramp when going to work! [eek] Turns out, it was a push of a button that would have cost me $100 if I had called someone! [doh]
No problem. I'm back in my shop alone next Tuesday for a week of solidarity with my tools before my wife and son come down for a week's vacation over Thanksgiving. Gotta heat up the pool and BBQ! [tongue]
Cheers,
Frank
oh frank, don't be so dramatic! as amusing as the "smelling like a tramp" comment was, i think some good old fashion logic is in order. it's the ol' adage about anticipate versus react.
so dude, a contingency plan is something you set up BEFORE you leave your wife and kid in Georgia to go overseas. here are the steps:
1. you find a nice lady neighbor, take then some razzleberry pie from marie callenders. or you find some guy neighbor who likes to talk tools and who would be completely captivated hearing you drone forth regarding "frank's patented lifetime tool acquisition plan". either way, i'm sure you'll find being in georgia works in your favor in regards to that vanishing custom known as "neighborliness"
2. you ask your new neighbors about reliable recommendations regarding handymen, electricians, plumbers and so forth. this is also where the fact that your wife is in the army works in your favor: instant camaraderie--that army family thingie, fellow families with similar situations (the husband is overseas a lot), lots and lots of good potential for interaction and quality recommendations.
3. as soon as the breathalyzer, urine and lie detector tests have come back from the lab you program your wife's iPhone with all the new vetted contacts that have passed the rigorous screening procedure. now all she has to do is go: siri, contact flooding emergency ...siri, contact the button pusher inner person...siri, activate applepay to pay the plumber...
4. you ask the newly befriended retired neighbors that are longing for something helpful to do to hold a key and supervise anyone that needs to be let it to fix stuff. to keep ongoing good relations you may have to ply them with other small favors from time to time. you know, like bring them some nigerian everclear bourbon or a shrunken head keychain or something. heck, you might even have to crack open one of your systainers and do something around their house with the tool inside it--perhaps domino fix their fence, etc.
5. enjoy the benefits and the peace of mind that come from setting up a contingency plan ahead of time that helped your family while you were away. use the new found time to moan about many more things on various forums. and also forget about the c-note you may have to drop here and there for a professional service. it's not like a six hour drive is all that much cheaper in gas and the value a busy person with decent income puts on their time.
as soon as the jet lag wears off, the above planning logic and will hit you square in the face like a nicely planed and jointed slab of walnut with its solid clarity. feel free to tell the wife it was your idea.
so dude, a contingency plan is something you set up BEFORE you leave your wife and kid in Georgia to go overseas. here are the steps:
1. you find a nice lady neighbor, take then some razzleberry pie from marie callenders. or you find some guy neighbor who likes to talk tools and who would be completely captivated hearing you drone forth regarding "frank's patented lifetime tool acquisition plan". either way, i'm sure you'll find being in georgia works in your favor in regards to that vanishing custom known as "neighborliness"
2. you ask your new neighbors about reliable recommendations regarding handymen, electricians, plumbers and so forth. this is also where the fact that your wife is in the army works in your favor: instant camaraderie--that army family thingie, fellow families with similar situations (the husband is overseas a lot), lots and lots of good potential for interaction and quality recommendations.
3. as soon as the breathalyzer, urine and lie detector tests have come back from the lab you program your wife's iPhone with all the new vetted contacts that have passed the rigorous screening procedure. now all she has to do is go: siri, contact flooding emergency ...siri, contact the button pusher inner person...siri, activate applepay to pay the plumber...
4. you ask the newly befriended retired neighbors that are longing for something helpful to do to hold a key and supervise anyone that needs to be let it to fix stuff. to keep ongoing good relations you may have to ply them with other small favors from time to time. you know, like bring them some nigerian everclear bourbon or a shrunken head keychain or something. heck, you might even have to crack open one of your systainers and do something around their house with the tool inside it--perhaps domino fix their fence, etc.
5. enjoy the benefits and the peace of mind that come from setting up a contingency plan ahead of time that helped your family while you were away. use the new found time to moan about many more things on various forums. and also forget about the c-note you may have to drop here and there for a professional service. it's not like a six hour drive is all that much cheaper in gas and the value a busy person with decent income puts on their time.
as soon as the jet lag wears off, the above planning logic and will hit you square in the face like a nicely planed and jointed slab of walnut with its solid clarity. feel free to tell the wife it was your idea.
promhandicam
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Nigeria or Cameroon for that matter both fit the bill as the armpit of Africa on 2 counts. Firstly if you take a look at a map of Africa and you imagine West Africa as an arm and Central / Southern African as the trunk then Nigeria and Cameroon are physically in the position of the arm pit. Secondly both countries, particularly on the Coast are hot, sweaty and at least in urban areas, in need of a good does of deodorant ;D . As far as I'm concerned this comment is no reflection on the citizens of either of those 2 countries.
BTW I worked as a Co-worker for an International disability charity in that part of Africa for 9 years (and before that for 10 years in Zaire / Congo) and many of the citizens of those 2 countries would heartily agree with the armpit analogy.
So how long have you lived and worked in sub saharan Africa Fatroman? :
BTW I worked as a Co-worker for an International disability charity in that part of Africa for 9 years (and before that for 10 years in Zaire / Congo) and many of the citizens of those 2 countries would heartily agree with the armpit analogy.
So how long have you lived and worked in sub saharan Africa Fatroman? :
PA floor guy
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Frank, I was just wondering about you. I haven't read anything from you lately. Also, I just started a different post about Germany. My brother is going on Wednesday via us military. (civilian consultant) I certainly expect a few responses from you. Sam
SittingElf
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PA floor guy said:
If your friend is going via the U.S. military, and he gets privileges on the bases...he is probably also going to be eligible for not having to pay VAT for purchases in Germany. He is lucky because the U.S. Dollar is at a 7 year high against the Euro, so purchases will be significantly cheaper than what I was paying just last year.
Stock up on NAINA items that are battery powered! BHC and PDC come to mind immediately. (He can probably make a deal to leave the 220V battery chargers with a dealer for a discount on the tool) Others include the Victorinix Festool Swiss Army Knife, and some bit sets that aren't available in the USA...including SDS bit sets.
Good luck to him....and to you if you are sending him with a shopping list! [big grin]
Cheers,
Frank
A guy I work with has a brother from Australia that works in Nigeria. His brother was told by the Australian government that he is NOT allowed back into Australia even after a months quarantine. As his family is there in Australia he has no idea what to do. Looking like he will be forced to move to the USA as it stands now.
Lots of major oil companies and service companies with employees in West Africa. Most work one month and come back for one month. This will get really complicated if countries start enforcing quarantines upon return.
Be careful Frank.
Lots of major oil companies and service companies with employees in West Africa. Most work one month and come back for one month. This will get really complicated if countries start enforcing quarantines upon return.
Be careful Frank.
Stephen B
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PeterK said:
Do not know where he is getting this information as Australian volunteer doctors and nurses have and are returning to Australia. However it is true that Australia has suspended Refugee visas from West Africa in the short term. In reality our system for Australian citizens returning is little different from that of the U.S.
Quote from Australian Government 'SmartTraveller WebSite' [size=10pt]
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/travelbulletins/Ebola
Returning to Australia from Africa
The likelihood of an outbreak in Australia remains very low.
The Australian Government has put in place banners and electronic messaging at our international airports to raise awareness of the symptoms of EVD.
As part of routine procedures, incoming flights to Australia have on-board announcements asking passengers who are feeling unwell with fever, chills or sweats to alert a crew member. Crew members will then alert border protection and biosecurity staff for follow-up health procedures.
Border agencies have been provided guidance by the Department of Health to identify any passengers presenting EVD symptoms in flights or at airports. Border officers can also provide information and advice to passengers who are feeling ill.
There are no additional compulsory screening or quarantine measures in place for travellers who have been in parts of Africa not affected by EVD.
Travellers who have been in EVD affected parts of west Africa and the DRC will have their health checked at Australian borders. Those identified as having been to an affected country are asked a series of questions by an Agriculture Biosecurity Officer to assess their risk of exposure to EVD.
If you have returned from an EVD affected country and you become ill while back in the community, you should go to the emergency department and let them know that you have been in west Africa, particularly if you know you have been in contact with someone with EVD.
Even if you feel well on your return to Australia from an affected country, you should still see your doctor to discuss whether it might be necessary for you to monitor your health, particularly if you may have had direct contact with someone with suspected or confirmed EVD.
You may also wish to check with the relevant health authorities in your state if any state-based restrictions apply.
For more information, visit the Department of Health website.
