Blogs from Niger Delta, Nigeria, Africa
Guns, Millitants and Big Oil: My Week in Nigeria
Published: November 12th 2009Africa » Nigeria » Niger Delta
September 10th 2009
Pre-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
June 3rd 2008
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
October 13th 2006
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
May 20th 2006
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
