So I'm going to Onne, Nigeria at the beginning of April. It's right on the outskirts of Port Harcourt, Nigeria where people have been getting kidnapped left and right. I've had my safety orientation and I will have a driver and armed bodyguard, but was wondering if anyone else has experience and advice for me. I'm pretty nervous about it all.
what line of work? i have a friend who worked in uganda for an ad agency doing AIDS awareness work (alliteration, suckas!)... was there for about 4 months, loved it so much he just left to go back again, this time for a year (at least). pretty cool opportunity and a very unique experience.
I don't know too much about it, but my friend's dad still works over there. He's had some run-ins and scares but the important thing is to be sensible. A lot of these kidnappings occur when people just simply ignore standard procedure and don't take common precautions. (like going out at night in unsafe areas, making sure you are with people you can trust, etc..) It's probably not the best place to go exploring on your own. Just be smart, aware, and intelligent about your surroundings and you should be ok. Also, Shell seems to get hit with a disproportionate amount of attacks and problems. Hope you work for Exxon.
I hope you're getting paid a LOT. My father was a professor, who loved to spend his summers working on aid programs all over the world through USAID. He worked in India several times, Pakistan, both East (before it was Bangladesh) and West Pakistan, Algeria, and other places. The country he really disliked was Nigeria. He really couldn't find any redeeming qualities, other than the people he worked with, who were great. He much preferred India and Pakistan. And Nigeria was, if anything, in much better shape then. Good luck and be careful!
I spent 5 years traveling into Nigeria for work. Always short trips (less than 2 weeks) and predominatly in Lagos, Escravos and Warri. I never went to Port Harcourt. I always felt reasonably safe, but was always escorted by my company's security, and only deviated from routine (i.e went out for dinner/bars) a few times in the relative safety of Lagos. Warri and Port Harcourt are a different story. Very unstable and potentially dangerous. Having a personal armed guard is a bit of a tradeoff. Good in some respects, but bad if people start shooting. Is your company experienced in working in Port Harcourt? If they are, and they are set up for it, you will be fine. If this is a one-off and you do not think they have thoroughly prepared for your trip, I would be a little concerned. I would also feel a lot more comfortable if there will be other experienced expats meeting you in Onne/PH. Don't get too concerned - tons of expats visit Nigeria. Just make sure your company knows what it is doing. One thing I would be more careful about is malaria - probably a much bigger risk. Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts, take hight DEET insect repellent, and try to avoid spending time outdoors at dusk and after dark. You should also take Larium or doxycyclin before, during and after your trip (see a doctor about this). If you want more information, email me.
My father worked in Nigeria for about two years. You SHOULD pay your security and driver each month, my father gave them $500 each. You keep them happy, they'll keep you happy, trust me. Plus, don't trust anyone there, well atleast be cautious. Good Luck.
You too? They're gonna chop your dollar: <object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D_YjvC4ndzM"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D_YjvC4ndzM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>
Thanks for your replies. The company I'm going over there does have alot of experience with it. They're a big oil-related company. Supposedly they use the best security company in Nigeria. The doctor was pretty thorough so I've gotten all my shots and will take Maladrone for malaria and have been told to use DEET 100% for my clothes and DEET 25 fo rmy skin, etc. No water. No ice. Steaming hot food, etc. Security-wise was told not to look at MOPOs (mobile police) when they stop our car. Not to go out an get drunk at nights. And not to get close to the hookahs. I'm still concerned but it seems like you guys have the same experience as I was told to expect. And yeah, I'm getting paid pretty well so that's why I'm doing it. Hope it doesn't come back to bite me. Like Davo, I'll only be there 2 weeks. Thanks again!
