₦airaland Forum

I am very proud of my fellow Nigerians in the UK and Europe who supported this protest in Central London.

I am also very proud of my fellow Nigerians who dared to come out in the recent protest in Abuja.

Many other Nigerians hate protest. What are these anti-protest Nigerians doing to fight injustice in Nigeria? If they are doing nothing, they must be fools and wolves in sheep clothing.

Men and women change after marriage. Whether the change is for the better or for worse is a different matter.

@Poster

Can you behold the perfect man?

There is no such thing as perfect man. The reason why relationships are full of troubles today is because many people are chasing the impossible.

Man is mortal, so is a woman. Perfection is God.

Be careful what you are desiring.

Many people are scared of the simplest things in this world. Corrupt Nigerian leaders are capitalising on the fear of many Nigerians.

Wole Soyinka was one of the key people who organised and attended the recent protest in Abuja. Unfortunately, some Nigerians, including those in Abuja city, were scared of attending the protest. What a shame?

Many Nigerians in the UK and Europe organised and attended another protest in Central London, UK on 15 January 2010. Many Nigerians were there to show their support. See the link to the event articles:

http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/the-save-nigeria-protest-march?xg_source=activity


http://www.championsfornigeria.org/cfn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=511:the-save-nigeria-protest-march-in-london-friday-15th-january-2010&catid=14:articles&Itemid=35

If you are reading this, ask yourself what you can do to help remove or reduce corruption from Nigeria. It will take me and you to make change happen in Nigeria. Fear is not an option.

@Poster,

You are not alone. Many people at home and abroad are puzzled at the type of mortgage arrangements available in Nigerian banks.

Considering what many people know about mortgages in the UK and USA, there is no such easy provision in Nigeria.

Unfortunately, the Federal Mortgage Bank in Nigeria is not really meeting the needs of the intended Nigerian mortgage market.

The lack of real mortgage caused the Nigerian property market to be stagnant. More than 90% are choosing to build their own house gradually because that is the most economically viable option at this time.

NIGERIAN REGULATIONS ON INCOME TAX

The PAYE (Pay as you earn) system was implemented following the Personal Income Tax Decree of 1993. Under Nigerian tax law employers collect tax by deducting it from the salary of employees. The administration charged with income tax is the Joint Tax Board (J.T.B.) and in each state there is a State Board of Internal Revenue.

The obligation to pay tax is determined for individuals by their residence.

According to the Personal Income Tax Decree (PITD) the criteria for residence is "a place available for an individual´s domestic use in Nigeria".

This system therefore excludes hotels or any form of temporary residence. In fact an individual will be considered as a resident of Nigeria if he or she has stayed for more than 183 days in the preceding 12 months.

Expatriates who have a permanent stay permit in Nigeria are liable for tax in Nigeria even if they spend less than 185 days there.

Employers must deduct the amount of PAYE income tax, understood in the broad sense, from the employee. However the following components are excluded:

1) The reimbursement of all expenses incurred by the employee through his work on which he or she does not make any gain,

2) Medical and dental expenses of the employee,

3) Unemployment and retirement pension contributions,

4) Travel costs to or from Nigeria,

5) Any amount towards education or training of a child,

6) The amount of housing allowance provided by the employer, that is 28% of the annual base salary,

i. 10,000 Nairas when the employee is a resident of Lagos or Abuja,

ii. 6,000 Nairas when the employee is resident of a state capital,

iii. 4,000 Nairas when the employee is resident of any other part of the federation.

7) Transport costs totalling up to 2,436 Nairas per year,

Loan interest on the principal residence,

9) Retirement and forward planning contributions approved by the JTB,

10) Indemnities,

11) Other deductions.

I totally agree with you, Poster.

The lyrics from some Nigerian music are very disorderly. Some of the music just turn commonsense into nonsense.

It should not be about quick market.

A little bit more effort will bring better delivery on our player.

The musicians know themselves, especially those who need better education before jumping on the recording machine.

@Poster,

The two options are good and helpful for webmasters in diverse ways. The usefulness differ from person to person and from time to time.

As for a learner, it is good to start walking and then increase your pace before you begin to run. If a learner run too early, you could crash and burn - get frustrated.

It is good to take things easy and use the option that is best for the individual at the time because both options are useful for a serious webmaster.

Paying tax should not be a problem. Please.

You cannot eat your cake and still have it.

If you want good soup, you need good ingredient. That is common sense.

The purpose of taxation all over the world is very clear - development.

After paying tax, you can then begin to hold the government to account on good local infrastructure, local recreation facilities, pipe borne water, etc.

Farmers can pay tax. Everyone should begin to pay tax.

Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system is a progressive system of taxation.

Here it is:

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/National/5511362-146/court_asks_chief_justice_to_swear-in.csp

Even the UK is offering Nigerians full scholarships to study online MBA in any course in the UK.

That is not true oooo.

Do not be deceived.

@Poster,

An MBA is highly regarded by employers in Nigeria. However, it will depend on the school where your MBA originate.

For example, the MBA from the UK is more valued than one from any University in Nigeria.

Another example, the MBA from Nigeria rates less than first degree from UK or USA or Canada.

Don't ask me why. Ask real employers in Nigeria.

@Poster,

The simple answer is madness.

There are many mad people on the street who behaves like normal human beings.

Why spend huge sum of money to bury someone who died of hunger?
Why spend huge sum of money to bury someone who could not afford to eat when alive?

Whatever people think, many more funerals will be funded tonight all over Nigeria.

It is like a status symbol for some people to have the best funeral.

@Poster,

The long term solution to your problem is good cleanliness. If you say that you have no problem of filth in your own house, your neighbourhood could be the source of your cockroaches. Unless you attack the source, the infestation will not go away for long.

The answer to solve a neighbourhood infestation is to mobilise everyone to clean their homes and use spray to eradicate current insects.

If the cockroach problem refuse to go, better move to a cleaner neighbourhood.

If you want to know the reason the President telephoned the BBC:

http://nigerialibertyforum.org.uk/

Fellow Nigerians,

As much as I would like to sympathise with the President at this time, I am very disappointed that he has reduced himself down too low. He has tested the patience of Nigerians beyond redemption. He has only exposed his failures since taking office as the President of Nigeria. Former President Obasanjo should hold his head in shame for forcing a sick man on Nigerians.

There is no excuse for the Presidency to arrange an interview with the BBC. Nigeria has a large media presence in the world. At least, the NTA is an international media organisation. The recording on the BBC website may reveal a voice but it is not reflective of the President of Nigeria. For how long will the Presidency deceive the citizens of Nigeria and the international community?

Nigerians must not fail to show solidarity for the protest planned today in Abuja. Protest is the solution for civilised people all over the world. Protest may look like a small gesture but it can make a huge difference.

It is unfortunate that many willing Nigerians like me are not in Nigeria today to show support for this planned protest. Any responsible Nigerian in Abuja today must make himself/herself available to support this protest.

One of the reason why President Yar'Adua spoke to the BBC is to try to limit the intensity that the UK-Based Nigerians are putting on him through Liberty Forum UK, Champions for Nigeria UK, etc. These organisations based in the UK are planning a unified protest in Central London on 15 January 2010 to inform the UK politicians about the leadership failures in Nigeria and create unhealthy environment for Nigerian leaders in the UK.

Any Nigerian who values their life and their own future should support the protest today in Abuja.

If Nigerians are scared of participation in protest, the Nigerian leaders will continue to make slavery of the populace.

@Poster,

You knew your wife before marriage. You still chose her regardless of her English language. Marriage is for better, for worse.

You now have the responsibility to bring her to your desired standard in English, no matter what it take you. You must be patient, caring and be understanding. Adult brain is not able to take things as fast as a youthful brain, take note.

She does not need to be advanced in English language to communicate. Please be careful you do not stress her.

Encourage her to read novels, watch English movies with her and be careful about allowing her on a one-to-one lesson with other persons because people could take advantage and play on her ignorance.

You should be able to teach her yourself in love.

@Abekeade08,

If every woman in a marriage reason like you, divorce will be a big vocabulary.

Please keep it up and encourage your friends to tow the same line.

A good marriage breeds responsible children and eventually, a good society.

It is compulsory just as it is compulsory for the husband to look after his wife and children.

Husband and Wife is not the same as Boyfriend and Girlfriend.

Husband and Wife is the result of a long-lasting and life-long commitment called Marriage.

It will be injustice for any unmarried man or woman to comment on this thread.

Marriage is not a game for children.

@Jesu Seun

I am not an architect or building specialist.

The main reason you are not getting response to your request is because people want to be paid for their architect services. The drafts you produced are not professionally done. They will need professional touch.

You may not get a free architect service to review your plan.

Although I have not used the services of YemTech on this forum, many people recommend them. Approach them directly with your request using the following details:

Yemtech Construction Co. Ltd
Tel: 01-9563182; 08058724150; 08060797037
Email: info@yemtechconstruction.com
Website: www.yemtechconstruction.com

Good luck.

@Don4life,

Your poll design is wrong. You cannot reliably compare a state like Lagos with a city like Calabar.

You can compare two states as follows:

Lagos v Cross River

@CyberG,

I trust you never expect some of the responses you are getting here. That shows the level of exposure Nigerians are and the level of civilisation. That is enough tip for you.

On a serious note, there are some good tips in the responses but read with caution.

When I visited Nigeria in 2006, I moved around like anybody else. I wore simple clothes. Your glowing skin texture will still give you away but keep carm. Keep your cool and just avoid any confrontation with hoodlums.

Just be modest in everything you do. No showing off. Do not make people notice you.

The truth is that the affluent areas in Nigeria are in Central Abuja and Lagos Island. Lagos is like two cities in one because the mainland Lagos is underdeveloped while the Island (VI, Lekki, VGC and environs) is good in terms of infrastructure, beauty and civilisation. Affluent means things are very expensive at these areas but everything is more expensive in Central Abuja.

Enjoy your stay.

800million naira?

Are you serious?

Using the exchange rate calculator on Nigerian Tribune website (http://www.tribune.com.ng/), that means:

£3.14 Million
$5.26 Million
Euro 3.51 Million

Haba.

People trafficking is an offence all over the world, including Nigeria.

It baffles me how our own fellow Nigerians can traffic our own people to abroad for selfish gain. Nigerians making slavery of other Nigerians - worse than colonial slavery.

I saw some Nigerian girls in Italy, Malta, Netherlands and the UK in this predicament. They were transported from Nigeria with fake documents and falsehoods to their various countries abroad. The girls are mostly used as prostitutes to fetch money for their Madam or Oga. It is appalling and degrading.

Any Nigerian at home or abroad who uses other Nigerians as slaves in the form of prostitutes, slave labour, low pay house helps and low pay gateman must be ashamed of themselves. These people should cover their head in shame.

If any such Slave Masters or Slave Mistress is reading this note, you must change from your wickedness. Otherwise, your days are numbered.

@jean2002,

I want you to take the following quote from Biyi seriously:

Man! you can study for your masters while on the job. That is what I do. It is better that way than to leave your job for masters studies in this era of joblessness. Think twice man.

The world is not standing still. Consider part-time study or distance learning but you must discipline yourself because it is your future.

Masters degree without a job can move your goal post until,

Hold on to your job and pursue part-time study or distance learning for masters.

Technology and the internet have made it possible to get a degree from home, no expensive travel abroad and no working permit wahala. You will get the same foreign degree like people who went to the campus abroad but you will work hard for it Oh, no joke Oh.

Good luck with your plans.

The following distance learning resources may help you:

http://www.rdi.co.uk/distance-learning/distance-learning.html
http://www.le.ac.uk/ulmc/dl_about.html

@jean2002,

I think you have not put your fiancee in the equation at all. How long have you been together?

If the relationship is serious, you have to show your responsibility. You are 29 and although you did not state her age, she is not getting younger.

Women can be concerned about their age and seriousness of their man. Are you serious with your fiancee? If not, tell her now.

If you are travelling abroad for your course, it makes it another cup of tea.

Let your fiancee know your plans and decision. Let her know so that she can decide what she want.

It's not all about you alone. Do not keep her in suspense.

I think this topic has revealed a lot of information to help anyone moving to Nigeria to consider.

It is not the full recipe but it has opened up many areas for consideration.

If not for the numerous setbacks identified by oludayo20 and others, Nigeria has the capacity to be a developed country within a year.

Just imagine if there were procedures in Nigeria and the procedures are respected by all.

Just imagine if Nigerian professionals in the UK and USA alone were to return home with their various skills and experience - In fact Nigeria will be developed by force.

Good luck to everyone who is moving to Nigeria, that is home!.

@Poster,

There is no need to sojourn to another country when you are wanting to return to your own country after a long time. Forget Ghana, if you must return, then return to Nigeria for good.

I want you to be aware that Nigeria is good, depending on who you talk to. Nigerians who live in Lekki, VGC and VI think and talk differently to Nigerians who live in Abule-Egba and Mushin.

When I visited Nigeria in 2006, I stayed in mainland Lagos (Abule-Egba and Mushin). I was not impressed at all. Everything was wrong - no light, no water, dirty environment, etc.

When I went to Lekki, VI and VGC, it was like another country. If you can afford the high prices in Lekki, VI and VGC you will not regret your stay in Nigeria at all. In fact, the environment is closer to what you are used to in Oyinbo land and security is far better. You can live and work in Lekki, VI and VGC without going anywhere else in Nigeria.

Also, if you have more money, Abuja is another place to be. Living in Abuja is good - far better electricity than mainland Lagos. Better organised but very expensive accommodation. Renting and buying property in Abuja can be expensive. Meanwhile, some people live in the outskirt of Abuja and travel into Abuja for work.

Well, better to visit Nigeria for investigation before you decide finally.

I smell a rat here Oh! People should beware of scams.

@Poster,
You need to be clearer in your offer unless you are parading 419 deals to conn your own people. Have you applied for this loan before?

Desperate people should beware.

No international investment bank will give loans of 4.8% in the current climate without collateral.

Relocating from USA to Dubai is not an easy decision. But be very careful.

If you are a muslim, you will cope better than a Christian. Muslim tradition exist in Dubai. My friend went to Dubai from London for their honeymoon. He could not even hold his wife hand in public because of Islamic tradition.

If you are going to Dubai for the money alone, you need to do more research about your children private school fees. Generally, Dubai was known for luxurious holiday.

If you want to make money in Dubai, you must keep away from luxury. Things are expensive.

There is economic meltdown in Dubai now. Read the following articles:

Dubai firms' ratings cut to junk by Standard & Poor's:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8392803.stm

Dubai backed by UAE president as markets fall again:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8387710.stm

What is Dubai and who runs it?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8382275.stm

What spoilt the party in Dubai?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8382935.stm

Views from Dubai: 'The end of the dream' - Riches to rags story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8381363.stm

@Poster,

I have not moved to Nigeria but I visit from time to time. My last visit was 2006, long time ago. I do not have plan to move there now, I need my own house there first.

My friend moved back there in 2006 because he lost his job and he was home sick.

According to my friend, he resides in Lekki. He built his own house (two houses - semi detached) in one plot of land. He rented out one of the semi-detached house and lives in the other one with his family. My friend said he cannot even afford to buy a similar house at the same location as at today's market price.

My friend opened a supermarket with his wife where his wife works with support of some assistants. He is into property developing. He likes it in Nigeria. His children are attending private secondary school. However, he intends to send his children back to the UK for university when they finish secondary school.

Returning to Nigeria is a risk. The most important thing is to have your house ready in Nigeria to move into. You may rent a place in Nigeria but there is nothing like your own house as a family person. You can rent and choose the area carefully.

You have to be ready to employ yourself in Nigeria - self employment/entrepreneurship.

My suggestion is that one of you (you or your spouse) should go and test the ground in Nigeria first before you move there with the whole family. This must be agreed amicably, no fighting because I have heard fights before about it.

In planning to move to Nigeria, plan for all your children and yourself. If you move to Nigeria in a rush, you may move back to the UK in a rush. Careful planning.

Risk is good but you must anticipate the situation and provide for adequate risk management before you embark on any risk.

Do not plan to depend on anyone in Nigeria.
Do not plan to be executive and luxurious, just be modest in all your ways.

Finally, pray and trust God.

The only national university in Malta is the University of Malta. There are other tertiary colleges.

Studying and working in Malta is very challenging. Working permit is a major problem with the authorities. If you have the money to sustain yourself throughout your study in Malta, it is a nice holiday island with all the trimmings of some luxury.

University of Malta (Foundation, Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees - English language for lectures):
http://www.um.edu.mt/

Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (Tertiary qualifications and few undergraduate degree):
This represents many colleges under one umbrella and located at different campus sites. English language for lectures and Maltese language for specific local courses.
http://www.mcast.edu.mt/

European Institute of Education (Private College licensed by Malta Institute of Education - Awards degrees through partner Universities in the United Kingdom like University of Leicester):
http://www.eieonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1

Institute of Tourism Studies (HND programme equivalent):
http://www.its.edu.mt/

St Edward's College (Study up to Advanced Level - 18 years old maximum):
http://www.stedwards.edu.mt/


Budget accommodation:
Budget accommodation in the form of holiday flats and apartments are available locally direct from Estate Agents or Holiday companies. You can also find good private rented apartment accommodation through local papers and local university student contacts.

For other university accommodation, see the following link:
http://www.universityresidence.com/cms/index

If you want freedom to work as a student with working permit, choose UK, USA, Canada, Australia, etc.

Good luck with your studies in Malta.