Hello,

I am a black American woman who has fallen in love with a Nigerian man (and much love in return! ). He seems very much to miss his home in Nigeria, and visits at least once a year, and I think that he wants to move back there sometime in the near future, or at least live there for a while.

My question is, how is it in Nigeria? I mean, is it a decent place to live? The reason I ask this is because I would not mind moving back with him if this is what he really wants to do someday. In terms of housing, water supply, vital things like this, is it a decent place to live and raise a family?

Also, how would I be received there? I mean, you know being a black/African-American, would I "fit in"? Or what is the perception of people like me (in your opinion) in places like Nigeria or much of Africa in general (again in your own opinion)??

I'm sorry for my ignorance, but as an American, I am not taught much about Africa other than poverty and disease, etc. I mean that's all we ever hear about Africa over here, as many of you probably already know. I have yet to have seen something positive about Africa stated in the news here, or even in books. I know that poverty an disease are important, but I would also like to know the good things about Africa, and particularly Nigeria. I have not really gone into specifics with my b/f about Nigeria, but I thought I'd ask you all since I assume most of you live in nigeria or have been there, and I get to see a variety of opinions.

Thank you so much!

its a place to b , u really gonna enjoy there
My question is, how is it in Nigeria? I mean, is it a decent place to live? when u get there ,u will know experience speaks for itself
u wouldnt regret going there

lol fatliar should I trust what you say with that screen name "fat liar"??



lol! Thanks so much for your response though, I'm just messin with ya.

let me tell you how i feel, i have been to nigeria once and the first time i went there i felt like i was at home. forget what you hear on the internet and on tv, when you go there you will experience the general love of the people, i promise you they will treat you like a queen for the most part.

nigeria is very diverse as a country it also depends on where you want to go. even the city lagos is diverse filled with ghettos, villages, suburbs, and the rich class

try to go to abuja or where ever you want just make sure you see more than one city you will be delighted

Nigeria is simply one of the best place you can ever dream of visiting.
Is it the culture, we’re one of the few African countries that have a good cultural heritage.
Coming to talk about Agriculture which includes different varieties of dishes, vegetables fruits ect.
Finally you talk if the issue of socializing. A lot of Nigerians are very social with foreigners. So when you come here, you’ll find yourself acting as if you’ve been living here all your life.
So feel free and relax, there's nothing to be anxious about.
Nigeria is a good place to live in

You bet it is

osegwu:

You bet it is

Are you doubting what i said?

Nigeria can't be such a great place to live that millions of its citizens live outside and millions others wish to leave.Why else do you think your man came to the US in the first place ?

@lanegra,

Nigeria is an interesting country. you either hate it or love it. I choose to love it, to bits (statement by a Briton married to a Nigerian)

Forget all you heard about Africa i.e Aids, poverty blah blah. None of that in Nigeria, im not saying all Nigerians are well to do but U wont see none of  that stereotype Starvin Marvin u see on CNN.

if u are liberal, adventorous, fun-loving, then you'll definitely love Nigeria.

PS. i have observed most westerners and realise why they dont like Nigeria

The government is irresponsible, you will have to provide basic services like water, electricity, security for yourself (and Yes, You can)

Nigeria is a third world country, some of the things you take for granted in America are not readily available out there

Be self aware on the streets (you are responsible for your own security) this does not mean youre not safe.

Unlike the west, People you dont know will relate to you as friends and family

Your accent is different, people will see u differently until you settle in

Most importantly, dont be afraid of anything. People out there are not barbarians and theyre not gonna eat you

4 Play:

Nigeria can't be such a great place to live that millions of its citizens live outside and millions others wish to leave.Why else do you think your man came to the US in the first place ?

I think the reasons why Nigerians leave home is because starting out in Nigeria is not easy due to the bad economy.

And you know that there is a kinda status people ascribe to you once you live or have lived abroad, i strongly belive that some people back home are actually more comfortable than most in the west.

@ 4 play

this is the case with every country thats outside of the US there is no difference.
stop hating your country so much.
i hate people who complain, complain, and etc.

walelead:

@lanegra,

Nigeria is an interesting country. you either hate it or love it. I choose to love it, to bits (statement by a Briton married to a Nigerian)

Forget all you heard about Africa i.e Aids, poverty blah blah. None of that in Nigeria, im not saying all Nigerians are well to do but U wont see none of  that stereotype Starvin Marvin u see on CNN.

if u are liberal, adventorous, fun-loving, then you'll definitely love Nigeria.

PS. i have observed most westerners and realise why they don't like Nigeria

The government is irresponsible, you will have to provide basic services like water, electricity, security for yourself (and Yes, You can)

Nigeria is a third world country, some of the things you take for granted in America are not readily available out there

Be self aware on the streets (you are responsible for your own security) this does not mean youre not safe.

Unlike the west, People you don't know will relate to you as friends and family

Your accent is different, people will see u differently until you settle in

Most importantly, don't be afraid of anything. People out there are not barbarians and theyre not going to eat you

Quite true.

My answer comes in two ways.

If you're to stay in Nigeria, as an American, you'll never regret that for a second. Because, at least Nigeria is the most enjoyable place to be in Africa. Business move so well and you'll be well paid, if you're employed with any of the Nigerian companies.

Social Amenities, Securities, and most fundamental need are somehow concentrated in some places in the country. So, to enjoy stay in Nigeria, make choices of places or cities like Abuja, Lagos Jos, Kano/Kaduna (both somehow hot) or Ibadan. At least you'll enjoy Nigeria by living in any of those places.

I, proudly as a Nigerian, am wishing nice and successful stay in my loving country.

I love my country I'll never lie, I'll live in it and die. Nigeria will never fail you.

YOU ARE WELCOMEEEEEEEEEEEE!

My answer comes in two ways.

If you're to stay in Nigeria, as an American, you'll never regret that for a second. Because, at least Nigeria is the most enjoyable place to be in Africa. Business move so well and you'll be well paid, if you're employed with any of the Nigerian companies.

Social Amenities, Securities, and most fundamental needs are somehow concentrated in some places (major cities) in the country. So, to enjoy stay in Nigeria, make choices of places or cities like Abuja, Lagos Jos, Kano/Kaduna (both somehow hot) or Ibadan. At least you'll enjoy Nigeria by living in any of those places.

I, proudly as a Nigerian, am wishing nice and successful stay in my loving country.

I love my country I'll never lie, I'll live in it and die. Nigeria will never fail you.

YOU ARE WELCOMEEEEEEEEEEEE!

depends it has got its advantages and disadvatages no where is perfect

nigeria is a great place to be

4 Play:

Nigeria can't be such a great place to live that millions of its citizens live outside and millions others wish to leave.Why else do you think your man came to the US in the first place ?

Other countries have their citiziens living outside their country, and yet they still praise their country. our's shouldn't be different.

The hospitality of my people cannot be found anywhere. I have been around but I have a passion for my home country. Of course eyebrows will be raised but your colour will match

To warm your your self to the heart of my people start learning the culture now. When you get to Nigeria don't initiate a handshake to your husbands parent; if they are Yorubas before they figure out how to greet you (his mum will most likely hug you) go on your two knees. I won't bother going into a culture lecture; ask your husband because he may be from another ethnic group.

Don't go empty handed and learn at least something positive about the close family members. Don't place yourself on any high pedestal, you'll be brought down faster than you can imagine. Blend (if they are eating with hands, don't ask for fork) and you'll be elevated better than you can imagine.

Whatever the social status of the family he comes from learn to love his people and do it sincerely. Note that people don't wait to be invited before they come and visit, so always have something to welcome them with. Hopefully you won't be a full time housewife.

If you are rich, you can buy whatever comfort you've seen anywhere. If you are not, your survival is not in doubt. As long as you don't go looking for trouble, trouble will elude you. If you are rich and you don't want to become the solver of all family problems start out as being modest. Being kind within your resources will help.

Maybe you can ask direct questions e.g Is power supply available 24/7? No, but if you have the resources power can always be available to you.

Start planning for Nigeria now with a positive attitude your dude may wake up tomorrow homesick

In Nigeria, you'll enjoy every scene (the cultural display, good and standardized museum and tourist centres, loving and caring people of Nigeria etc). Nigeria, African most populous nation, has:
the largest political party, PDP,

the largest city in West Africa,

two African most beautiful campuses (Obafemi Awolowo University and Covenant University),

the most populous city in Africa, Lagos,

the African biggest business resort and tourist centre, TINAPIA.


You'll have all you love here in Nigeria.

Thank you all so much for your replies, sorry I've been slow.

Again thank you so much, and I've recently talked to my fiance and he told me that where he's from is a very nice place to live, he says it's fun, there's lots to do, etc.

Thanks! 

as long as u and your husband have a large income, you will enjoy nigeria.(mostly) a large income will ensure that you do not have to cope with the absence of amenities like electricity and pipe borne water.

let us define the issue very well

what would these ppl say about living in nigeria
1. a family man with six children living in one bedroom in ajegunle
2. a university graduate with 2.1 without a decent job for 6 years
3. a six year old selling pure water at ojota garage
4. a trader in mile 12 that is constantly been harrassed by council
5. a farmer in the village who can barerly feed survive even though he feeds the nation
6. a friend of mine who had to pay =N=60,000 to recover his stolen car from police
7. a teacher who has not received a salary in 5 months.
8. a banker stuck in the hold-up in third mainland bridge on monday morning.


lets not be overly sentimental, if you are not boxed up as in really boxed up nothing for you except the night pepper soup and beer joint which i dont consider as life. if you have not lived in other parts of the world, nigeria may be the place to be.

dont get me wrong, when i have some little change, i love to go back home and unwind, but afer two weeks , i completely loose interest . my submission.

Its a wonderful place to be.

@ topic

eko4show you just hit the nail on the head, man. right on the money

wonder why its so hard 4 us to be honest with ourselves, this country is seriously bleeped up.

but if lanegra and her husband have plenty of money they can afford to insulate themselves from the bulls--, know what i mean. stay in the highbrow areas, run a diesel generator 24/7, move around with police escort, you know.

you can enjoy this country only if you are very rich, as you will have to pay a premium for stuff like electricity, running water, security etc. ANYTHING FOR LOVE,

Africa is a Hell Hole

Do you eevn know what we Americans say about you guys, you idiots have no idea


USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA  USA USA USA USA USA USA

What do u mean?

hey westside or watever ur name may be; if u 'r a black american i don't blame ur lost soul cuz i guess u'll tell me u'r black mixed with american indian mixed with white then also mixed with d atlantic ocean u ignorant muthaf***er. My advice to u is dat u should go visit Nigeria n see d people over there n tell me who they 'r mixed with cuz u 'll be embarrased by ur ignorant thought. I also bet dat u and ur family 've strictly live within ur apartment complex never seen d other street of ur neighborhood so to is all about welfare paying off n u being unruly in school, in the metro or to white men cuz u have no respect n if u were in nigeria u bet dat u'll be going home with koko everyday ask any nigerian to tell u d meaning ; well Nigeria is a developing nation n is going to be a nation dat u going to reckon with and then d same u'll claim African. To the lady asking how Nigeria is d the truth is dat it is fun and not like europe or the US but on a level of development dats y we'r called a developing nation and my advice is dat u just free ur mind go over there and see for urself. Don't mind other nigerians telling u dat it is a messed up place while they haven't done anything for their country because thomas eddison invented electric light, ford came up with d cars, people came up with ways to develop n these people decided to run out of trying times n work over there cuz of currency difference instead of coming up with positive ideas to move forward i bet they'r gonna blame d government. And for d weakside dude, i bet u his generation last didn't contribute in anyway and d only thing they want to do is sit in front of their house n smoke cigarettes but he wants to claim wat others came up with dats making him feel comfortable today.

It can be a good place to live and i can be a strange place too

Everywhere is oh

I've just begun dating a Nigerian here in the States. He's talked about taking me home with him later this year, depending on how our relationship develops. He says I will be humbled coming back to the States, particularly when going out into the villages. I'm curious as all get out. My wonder is how will they relate to me as a white woman? Will they care? I'm not sure, I don't know enough to know what I don't know!! All I know is he's a wonderful lovely man.

@ Njean
keep it that way and keep your ears off the ground; there are too many 'bad stories' about your type of relationship

as for being humbled when you visit nigeria esp the villages YES you would be, you'd probably feel guilty of throwing water away next time

in the north but not in Lagos too many people with aids.