Travel Tips

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The rivers of Rivers state.......

Last minute call

As part of my last job I had to be prepared to go anywhere at any time, so at the last minute I got sent out to Port Harcourt, Nigeria to install and commission an antenna system for an oil barge.

It was my first time in Nigeria, though I had been in Cameroon before, what I wasn't really expecting was the level of security surrounding people that worked in the oil sector, armed escorts and travelling in convoy, all that sort of thing.

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Extinguishing a bin fire! (before)

The conditions inside the compound aren't too bad, basic, but luxurious compared to what the local people live in. The compounds have their own restaurants, shops and bars and generally try to make it as accepable as possible to live in what is basically an open prison.

The compounds do provide a lot of work for local people, as the oil industry expands, so to does the work demand, so locals get hired, but maybe not for the wages they might hope for, sometimes safety gets compromised too, but it looks like its just part of life in the oil sector.

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Extinguishing a bin fire (After)

So thats about it for my visit, one time I ended up in Lagos for about 24 hours, didn't get to see huge amounts of it, obviously, but it seemed OK. Hopefully if I go back I'll be able to check out the town, I usually find that in towns you'd least expect to find interesting places and restaurants and pubs, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Just have to stay away during elections and when general strikes are being called......