Jaqenhghar:

LOL. Let me tell you my story. I remember when I was still in naija and I was talking to my boss, one woman from UK. I remember the look she gave me when I mentioned me having savings.


We have this hoard8ng mentality that's part of the reason.

Exactly! Nigeria has existed for an unusually long period of time in a situation of lack, want, drought, desperation, need. Our default mode is to hoard, scrimp, self deny, save; all for the rainy day which is basically everyday. We have to hoard not only for ourselves but for the next generation and that thereafter. The western mentality is to live life to the fullest knowing that you only have one life to live. The average life expectancy for a man in Nigeria is 54 years. In that time, he has probably really lived for only 5 years and merely existed for the remainder.
Money is merely a tool, a means to an end. Hoarding it makes no sense to a western mind when you are in need and lack basic things of life. A westerner is confident of tomorrow beacause their government looks out for their citizens, does not act foolishly and does not destroy value. The fellow saving 22 million does not know that the business he is doing today can be gone tomorrow with the enactment of yet another silly government edict. Go ask the founder of Gokada who inevested millions of dollars in Okada delivery business that was destroyed by the same government that supported and helped him launch it, all within the space of a few months.

It is foolhardy to jump into these kinds of discussions on Nairaland, but what the heck, It's Sunday and I have nothing better to do right now. First, the comparisons on this thread do not make sense. The OP claims to save 22 million Naira a year in Nigeria which would probably put him in the top 0.5% of Nigerian earners in the country. Most of the comparisons here are against low wage/minimum wage earners in the US which makes absolutely no sense at all.
Second, In these types of discussions, I like to ask big picture questions. He said he saves 22 million a year and doesn't do this that and the other. FOR WHAT? Why do you need to save that much? This is where the big picture comes in. He has to save for healthcare, retirement, school fees, inflation, calamities, seed money for his business etc. The minimum wage earner you are comparing against in the US is covered for those things provided they are legal and paying taxes. They will be covered if they fall sick and earn social security or a pension in countries like Canada when they retire. Public schools, which are mostly good are paid for by their taxes. One other thing to point out in the big picture. In 2015, the Naira was 200 to the dollar. In 2021, it is exchanging for 480 to the dollar. In six years or less, your savings have devalued by more than 50%. You cannot just compare Naira savings to dollar savings in these types of discussions. A Nigerian in Nigeria is just EXISTING! People in the diaspora are actually LIVING. The difference between existing and living is this. When you exist, you do the things you need to do in order to stay alive; when you live, you do the things you want to do in order to enjoy your life. Existing is all about survival which is what people are currently doing in Nigeria. When will you get a chance to actually live in Nigeria?

Pesuzok:


You will collect your $2,500 in cash and an extra NGN12,500 CBN promo

Please let us know which bank is paying out up to $2,500 in dollar cash without telling you stories about no dollar available, come tomorrow.

SeaTrade:
They want to subsidise the dollar by 5 naira ,without actually spending dollars from the reserve to defend the naira.
Like using the naira end of the deal to strengthen the naira. Good and smart move...This means from 9th of may they will start funding BDCs appropriately again ,so speculators and exporters and smugglers should be weary of the month of may.
They've just given smart people a heads up
Expect dollar to trade for 475 or 470 on monday at the parallel market ,

This is actually a good explanation. It is effectively a backdoor short term devaluation of the Naira without officially stating an actual rate and risking the repercussions in the marketplace. It's business as usual in Nigeria. Instead of eliminating the disease, they are fighting the symptoms. Diasporans and even Nigerians in Nigeria do not really like to go to aboki to change their forex, with all the attendant risk fake Naria, robbery etc. If CBN offers a rate close enough to market rate and makes the transaction smooth and easy... interbank with little or no fees, most will move their money through the official channels. Secondly, why does the law ignore the illegal aboki changing money on the street at illegal rates? We all know why. There is really no need for BDC and illegal means if the process works through our regular banks.

candygist:


Na God. Each job is 24 hours. I got two security jobs that as little stress. I sleep at night and the next day I go to the other work. So I was moving from work to work. I only go home once in a while during weekends. That if my supervisors give me permission.

No vex my hustling broda, but this is funny as heck. Security dey sleep for night? Oga dey inside house believing that his security is guarding outside and all is safe

tourmib:

Master card has been limited to $100 for a month

Yes, Most Nigerian Bank issued Naira credit cards have been limited to $100/ month for foreign transactions which is ridiculous. I believe only IBTC still has a limit of $500. But then, Dollar denominated cards have spending limits tied to the individual not a general limit for everyone set by the bank. For foreign cards, you are better off with a card that gives points/rewards you can use to redeem anything for example Capital One, Citi, Bank of America. I like American Express and Cpital one. Can't beat their rewards programs.

One last thing. Even if you ignore all the other advice on this thread, make sure you heed this one. Do not relocate to Nigeria in one single move. This is a continuous project that should span over a period of time. The Nigeria you left over 20 years ago is not the same today, and hopefully you have made some visits since you left so you understand. Make several visits and stay longer each time. Take up a few projects each time you visit like getting a drivers license, opening a bank account, renovating your house, making contacts like barber, Taylor, doctor, pharmacist, dentist, mechanic, etc. You will begin to re understand the culture and reintegrate into society. Finally, establish an emergency exit plan. If things go wrong, can you hop, on the next plane and get out quickly and will you still have a place to return to in London? Wish you the best and hope it all works out fine.

uvie66:
I intend to relocate to Lagos this year after over twenty years in London and was wondering if I could survive on 100k a month. No accommodation cost included as I have a house already. Just living expenses for I and my wife.

It is possible if you manage you money well and live like a retired Nigerian and not try to replicate the amenities that you currently enjoy in London. But there are two areas where you cannot afford to skimp. Healthcare and security. At 55, you are getting to the age bracket where health issues begin to show up. If you already have pre existing conditions, it will complicate things a little more. Quality Healthcare is very expensive in Nigeria. You will be better served to sign up for a private healthcare insurance with a hospital like St Nicholas in Lagos and that costs a lot of money. You will be missing out on the free healthcare that you can get in London. As for security, hmmmm. You need to be diligent and careful about the area you choose to live. As a JJC, maybe hire security guards or a maigaurd. Depending on your lifestyle, maybe even a housemaid. In the initial months of your return, many relatives will want to come pay homage and you know what that means . See how things quickly start adding up?

She should apply and pay the full amount. I promise you she will learn a lifelong lesson she will never forget. Experience they say is the best teacher.

EgunMogaji2:


Amen o. He was in my passenger seat in a flash. Just imagine that.

I would have jumped out of the car and not stop running until I reach Bere Oje!

neni83:
Hello Guys...is it possible to apply for US visa from Canada? My mom is in Canada on a Visit Visa and I wanted to apply for renewal of her US visa. Is it possible?
Thank you

Related to what I just posted above, you will be better served by calling or emailing the US embassy in Canada. I am sure you will get an honest answer.
Having said that, I can tell you that the US does not generally restrict which embassies a person may apply for a nonimmigrant visa from, although there are some exceptions. You can apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa from within almost any country you have entered legally. Unfortunately, since visa decisions are the prerogative of the consular officer, the decision for Nigerians is usually a toss up to likely negative when the applicant is not a permanent resident of the said host country. Simply said, there is no restriction as to applying from Canada, but on a visiting visa........ buyer beware!

At this rate, we will all need to "conceal carry" to be safe. In addition, as a simple deterrent, put a koboko in open view on your dashboard and one in your back widow. Pepper spray and bear spray as backup are good too. May God keep us all safe.

I wish the US embassy would communicate better as to what is going on with things like appointments, process and other issues raised here like they do in other countries. It should be easy to either call or email to get answers to most of the questions asked here. Don't they realize that the lack of information results in uncertainty and confusion and is fueling the activity of touts and shady agents? I do hope they do something when they read this

Infiosa:


Your opinion is absolutely intellectual not opinionated and I may want to have further intellectual discussion with you. Do u know that tourism and hospitality accounts for 10.4% of global GDP and billion of livelihoods depend wholly on this sector. Dubai opens its borders for tourism and UK will soon join in the race as a service country once her projection to vaccinate 40 millions of her populace by March ending. In my humble opinion, cross border restriction isn't the solution. Pandemic is a new reality and precautions have been set in place to live with it.

I'm happy to have an intellectual discuss about the merits and demerits of our opinions. I do agree that tourism is a big part of global GDP but we are at a critical point of the pandemic where a little bit more patience will do us a lot more good. A lot of countries are still under some form of lockdown or the other, UK especially. Restaurants, museums, malls, concerts etc are either closed or under capacity restrictions as low as 25% such that you need reservations weeks in advance to even get in. In addition, most if not all of these countries are requiring quarantine on arrival. These are not exactly ideal conditions for tourism. My opinion is that folks should wait until they can get vaccinated before venturing out on cross border travel to mitigate the risks involved. In a few months, the US will have vaccination available to all those who want it and it should be available in Nigerian too. Having said that, think of this. If you know that someone else's perfectly legal action can potentially result in deadly harm to your person, up to and including death, wouldn't the justification for that persons action be trivial to you no matter what it is? This is the perspective from which my position stands.

......

mattfeuter:


This is exactly what you and your comrade are guilty of.

How many times do we have to ring it to your ears that people are travelling for DIFFERENT REASONS??

God forbid someone like you is a visa officer, Na Straight refusal for everybody be that

Simply because there is a “pandemic”

And you sir cannot fathom the simple logic behind our reasoning. During a global pandemic, the tried and true way of shutting down the spread of the virus is by stopping cross border travel until things are under control. Whatever the reason for travel, the health and safety of citizens should be paramount. This is the perspective from which we speak. Some ask what is our business? It is everybody's business including the tomato and pepper seller in Mushin who has never seen the airport because one and more people that brought the virus has resulted in the deaths of many in this country. You say simply because there is an epidemic? That is the understatement of the century! Millions have died around the globe. Life may be cheap in Nigeria but not all of us have a lackadaisical attitude towards it. The virus is already here, but there are several more potent variants in other countries that will be brought to Nigeria and cause further havoc if we do not take precautions.

Up until now, there are no rules expressly forbidding travel to the US but the appeal is that potential travelers should limit it to essential travel and use good judgement in determining what falls in that category. In my humble opinion, vacations, conferences, short family visits do not fall in that category. All of these can wait until safer times, especially since there are numerous virtual alternatives. This is not the official position of the US State Department, just my humble opinion which I am expresssly entitled to. The issue here is that a couple of us have expressed a contrary opinion that rings true and is not in agreement with the prevailing positions here. Take it or leave it, but there is absolutely no need to resort to insults and innuendos.

overlord77:


Appointment for what please, where are you guys going or what are you all saying is your reason for travelling to a country battling COVID?
Nigerians sha

At the risk of being attacked, let me say something in support of your valid school of thought. In the midst of a global pandemic, simple logic discourages traveling across borders. This virus started in China. How did it get to the U.S. where almost 500 thousand people have died? Same way it got to Nigeria where we can't even remotely tell how many people have died so far. Cross border travel is the mode of transmission from one country to the other and common sense dictates that it should be discouraged until the pandemic is under control. Saying this does not detract from this thread. In fact, I think you are doing a positive public service and I salute you for speaking up and jogging people's thoughts. I am not surprised you have been attacked, as the echo chamber in here cannot fathom any opinion contrary to the prevailing school of thought.

Free the guy abeg. You dey judge am but you no know wetin pursue am Comot for Nigeria. Man pikin wey dey hell for em mind see road to run you dey follow am argue say devil dey enjoy for the hell when him just japa from. Many people here do not know what the true and practical definition of home is. Home is where you have peace of mind, where you can rest your head, where you can relax and recharge, most especially where your immediate family is. Our bros has found his home. He will start his family there and build his new home. No need to look back and go back to where you're running from. I only hope he went with correct papers. Anyway, them talk say the death wey no kill you for house no fit kill you outside.

travelwaka:
No offense taken, all protocols will be observed.


This is the reason we choose la campagne, to avoid crowd and it is also one of the most serene beach resorts in Nigeria far away from the hustle abd bustle of Lagos.


Can I ask you a question??
Have you been going to work or religious places since the pandemic? Did you know It's been noted that people get more infested more at work. Because sometimes you get carried away and hug your colleagues but in this case we are ensuring safe distances between everyone. Hope this answers your question.

I would suggest that you read up on guidelines for preventing the spread of covid. Gathering with people outside of your immediate household among other activities, is strongly discouraged because of the potential for super-spreader consequences. As to your question, I certainly do not engage in any activity in person when there are virtual alternatives. I know I'm in a minute minority but I personally do take the pandemic very seriously and follow the guidelines

sultaan:
So I was at a stop light and I realized this, I am a member now

Let me guess; Texas? Alabama, Miss?

Don't take this the wrong way, but is this really a good idea during this covid-19 pandemic?

kalu61:
Enyimba city
Abia ndioma

But wait o, where the $56m (roughly N25B) enter for Abia state?

Bros, you no hear say Adidas done dey produce for Ngwa road @ New Market Aba?

OBALORLA:


Nothing serious.
It's just a bit windy and slightly cold.

So the women that wore shorts and tshirts get liver pass you guys in sweater and jeans trousers

Kelvin30286063:

Thank you very much bro. How do I fix a gas cap leak if that's the issue?

Change the gas cap if that's the issue. If your gas cap has a black gasket I would go ahead and change it to the updated OE cap with a brown gasket. That's the only step I would take without scanning for codes.

One other thing, if you have scanned for codes, post it here. I should have first looked to see if there are any service bulletins relating to faulty gas caps. Lo and behold, Acura issued a service bulletin 14-006 to address trouble codes P0455, P0456. The bulletin applies to a lot of vin codes including all 2012 Acura TL's.

P0455 (EVAP system large leak)

P0456 (EVAP system very small leak detected)
The gas cap may be loose or stick/slip when you try to tighten it. Acura has determined that the gas cap gasket is creating too much friction and prevents the cap from sealing properly. There is an updated gas cap to fix the problem. The new gas cap has a brown gasket while the old cap has a black gasket. Check to see if your gas cap still has a black gasket. I would start from here as a cheap and easy potential solution if you haven't pulled codes

Start with simple solutions. Aside from o2 sensors and cat converters, most don't realize that the gas cap is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. I would suspect this in a car of low miles. An improperly sealing fuel cap may cause an evap system leak, which will set off the Check Engine Light when the the computer detects the leak.

OP, what is the weather like in that area. Is it cold since you are wearing a sweater?

yankison:
House please I appeared for an an interview on the level of police conference in 2016... But now I got an offer from an aviation school which I would love to enroll ... Please would be there any red flag in securing my M-1 visa

Just asking ...the Lord is my Shepard

The only red flag from a general perspective is if you told any untruths at the first interview that are now inconsistent with any information you are providing at the second interview. Were you working in the police force when you applied to go for a police conference? That would be unusual if you were not. Did they issue you the first visa? If not, why were you denied?

Steveraw:
My very good friend was born in israelin the 90s according to him,his parents relocated back to Nigeria,and their house got burnt and nothing was saved from the carñage,his dad is urging him to go to Israel embassy to see if he could be assisted in getting his birth certificate back,the dad is not in Nigeria at the moment,and secondly if there is hope of him going to Israel,please mod push this to front page.your thoughts and opinions are highly considered

I think it would be easier if his Dad who is not in Nigeria makes enquiries with the local Israeli embassy in the country where he lives. These things are usually easier outside Nigeria than within, where you can easily make enquiries through phone calls or email.

Birth in Israel does not by itself bestow a right to Israeli citizenship. Children born in Israel to nonresident foreign nationals, therefore, cannot acquire Israeli citizenship by birth alone. Nor can they be naturalized, as they do not comply with the naturalization requirement of being eligible for permanent residence

If he is thinking of citizenship, he should read criteria below.
Acquisition of nationality by birth is granted to:
Persons who were born in Israel to a mother or a father who are Israeli citizens.
Persons born outside Israel, if their father or mother holds Israeli citizenship, acquired either by birth in Israel, according to the Law of Return, by residence, or by naturalization.
Persons born after the death of one of their parents, if the late parent was an Israeli citizen by virtue of the conditions enumerated in 1. and 2. above at the time of death.
Persons born in Israel, who have never had any nationality and subject to limitations specified in the law, if they:
apply for it in the period between their 18th and 25th birthday and
have been residents of Israel for five consecutive years, immediately preceding the day of the filing of their application.

Why the outrage when we all know what's up? The harsh truth is that every document generated in Nigeria is a potential fake. This is the view of all foreign entities that deal with Nigeria. They ask us to authenticate our educational certificates and other documents. They are suspicious of visa stamps on our passports. When we greet them good morning, they look out the window to verify that its actually morning and not night. They have probably heard that you can sit in your living room in Zimbabwe and order a negative covid 19 result from Nigeria without ever doing the test. They will not be the first to take such extreme measures. The US embassy has long ago stopped bothering with Nigerian documents. Anyway, bottom line is that its their country. They can request any measure for people to enter.

jumper524:
So earlier last year, my dad decided to go into yam business. The most common in my area kuje Abuja to be precise.

Since we're just starting, we bought seedlings worth of 40k.
We later found out that seedlings are more expensive and scarce during farming/planting period.
We got the land for free
We paid farmers #20 per ridges and we dug about 500ridges.
Meaning. #20*500= 10,000

Total money spent on investment was approximately#60,000 plus running cost.

The farmers were paid 6k to harvest the whole yam.
Those guys started as early as 6am and we're done by 2pm just 3 of them.

Truck that packed it was paid 1k.


Pic 1 and 2, the big size yams we want to sell. Those buyers are pricing 45k

Pic 3 are the ones for home and family consumption. Any remainder would be added to seedlings.

Pics 4, the small yams we want to preserve as seedlings.

Think we got a lot from our investment in the end.

You are sitting on a gold mine. One medium size yam is sold for about $15 in the Midwest part of America this time in the winter season. They sell $2.99 per pound. Them go measure am for scale sell am for you. Bros, find way to explore this business oh. You go hammer well well.

The Tacoma and Hillux are very similar trucks but targeted to different geographies.The Tacoma was designed with American tastes in mind and the Hilux is made for other parts of the world. You will notice the difference mainly in the available engine choices and that the Hilux is available as a commercial vehicle but the Tacoma is not. They both share a 2.7l inline 4 cylinder petrol engine, but the Tacoma also has a 3.5l v6 engine that is designed more for the American highway. The Hilux has 2.4 liter and 2.8liter turbodiesel engine options with high torque that the Tacoma doesn't have. The Hilux is more of a work truck with high torque while the Tacoma is tilted towards American taste as a highway cruiser with higher horsepower. My take is that Hilux will not be offered in the US becasue the trucks are just too similar and will cannibalize each other's sales. In addition, the US does not have a big market for diesel half duty trucks so Hillux may not sell very well in that configuration.