Blogs from Niger Delta, Nigeria, Africa
Guns, Millitants and Big Oil: My Week in Nigeria
Published: November 12th 2009Africa » Nigeria » Niger DeltaPre-emptive Saffa It was ten o’clock in the evening, I was at home, I’d had a beer or two. I was just watching an old TV show with a friend when the phone rang, and I picked up to a very up-front South African man. After a few brief pleasantries he got straight to the business of my security briefing and proceeded to inform me of the myriad ways in which I was likely to get blackmailed, arrested, kidnapped, or shot on my upcoming “adventure” (including a warning to not get into any elevator with a woman… because she will strip naked, good, and accuse you of raping her, bad). I use the word adventure here as it puts a good spin on the concept, after all, being positive is much preferred over being a realist. ... read more
Just starting out Actually the location is Bonny Island, just oustide of Port Harcourt and yes it is an Island. I've been working here for 2 and bit years in the Oil and Gas Construction Industry. ... read more
Yep! That’s my very last night in Lagos! At least for 2006. It has been a long way since my first time here back in 2002. And I can tell that some weird things happened to me during these years. But there is something about this place that makes me come back every time. And I must confess that I miss it when I’m gone! Till next time! ... read more
I've been having quite an interesting time out here when I'm not busy working off the coast. I have spent a good three weeks in and about Escravos and a small time in Badagry. Escravos is a bit different from Port Harcourt and Lagos, and it is definately an *oil* town now, with a good size seaport and airport nearby. Both Escravos and Badagry were key ports in the slave trade from what I understand from talking to various people whom I work with and my cab drivers. Unfortuantely I did not visit any of the museems and historical sites devoted to this when I was onshore wandering around. Even though there are markets everywhere, I havent bought anything yet. If I head into Ghanna, I hear they have some great things to buy. Most of ... read more















