Nigeria!
Well what can I say and where should I start. Nigeria is certainly an eye opening, interesting country, Hot, Humid, Very Sunny, sometimes very rainy, oh did I forget Hot and sometimes Very HOT!
We are just back from a 5 week long Oil and Gas Flare Stack Inspection Campaign in Nigeria, both Offshore and onshore and we are feeling very grateful for some cool Scottish weather.
Where to start? I am not going to get into the politics of the country, apart from to say some of what you have heard is probably true but the majority is overhyped. Yes we googled the conditions, watched YouTube videos and overly got ourselves worked up about it. The Channel 5 Michael Palin in Nigeria documentary aired on TV the day I departed Heathrow for Nigeria and certainly highlights some of the issues, However, from my experience Yes it’s a poor nation but it is developing and the local people are awesome, friendly and welcoming.
Just getting into Nigeria and out of the airport is a mission, my top tip is apply for your Visa early and physically get it from the Nigerian Embassy before you go. Visa on Arrival works but be prepared for a lengthy delay at the airport. As you exit the airport its not only the heat that hits you but all the touts pestering you for money exchange, Mobile sim cards, taxi’s and much more. then it’s a white knuckle ride to your hotel, driving in Nigeria is not for the faint hearted or hesitant driver. Indicators are replaced by beeping of horns, rights of way are replaced by horns and I was here first or I am bigger or faster or have a louder horn or a mixture of the lot. Roundabouts are only by name and you can go whatever and whichever direction you like around them. Road conditions vary, one minute is lovely flat tarmac then you are faced with a pot hole the size of the grand canyon without warning, My advice for a westerner put your seatbelt on and look out the side windows or check your phone for messages and emails!
Every person I met in 5 weeks was warm, welcoming and friendly, all spoke good English and did their best to help you.
Life on the platforms was ok, transiting to and from is primarily done through Bristows, scheduling is the main issue with a lot of sitting around waiting with not much information however on the plus side we didn’t need immersion suits! Whilst accomodation and facilities are not upto the UK standard they are certainly adequate and functional, The food varies a lot, with the main staple being some variation of Chicken and Rice, some platforms will have a more western menu option as well but local food was always cooked very well and tasty.
The job itself went amazingly well considering the working conditions, each day the temp was above 36 degrees, stood next to a huge flare stacks pumping out 700 degrees worth of heat. The kit handled the heat much better than we did with only 4-5 overheating issues the whole time we were there, us on the other hand could not handle the heat, 40 degrees in full PPE (Coveralls, Hard Hats, Glasses, Safety boots and gloves) and yes stupidly I took a UK heavy duty coverall, it’s not fun we lasted around 40 minutes in the full sun before shade and a litre of water was required, 1st thing I did on my return was order a lightweight coverall.
To sum up we had an amazing 1st trip in Nigeria it was certainly eye opening, would I go back? Definitely! and we are already planning our next trip.
