₦airaland Forum

I've screamed this severally even while in naija... People keep saying I am a racism apologist.
Thank God say no be only me.
In naija alone, we have zonal, regional, tribal, political and religious 'racism' going on daily...even with tougher levels of hate, intolerance, killings and anarchism...but no one talks about it.
But for here, if person stare at you, we'd want to report the person to the Int'l criminal court of justice...for being racist.
Make i leave am here abeg, so I don't offend my elders sitting on this table...

Aphrodite007:
You can imagine. Instead of her to pay attention to the singing, she’s focusing on what?

And if they were racist, so what? Igbos cant even live peacefully in northern Nigeria, is anyone discussing that, abi Igbos are less human?

It’s absolutely normal for people to resist a different culture in their environment.

The first time I saw a Mai Suya in the east, men, I stared. Like I spoke hausa to him to be sure. It was shocking.

But you come another person land, come dey force them make them like you, picking on all they do.. sorry they aren’t rolling the carpets out— even some of the yorubas supported the Oba when he told the Igbos to leave— but I even understood because it’s human behaviour to hate what they don’t understand.

It’s not tolerance of racism; it’s just you not caring!

Wow... Just last week here? Do you get better rates? Lower than 600 per £?

Tobexin:
withdrawal till works as I have withdrawn close to £3000 with first bank ATM last week. Only only transactions is capped to $100-$200

You don kill the small happiness wey I been don dey gather... Will still confirm sha...

All this HR people sef... Una don find us reach forum too?

TheGuyFromHR:
Things have changed.
Most banks cap their monthly allowances at the equivalent of $200, not GBP 200 and they mostly use the official exchange rate, apart from Access Bank which is notorious for using variable exchange rates.
None allows a spend of £3000 monthly, that one na capital flight.
Standard Chartered has one of the best allowances of up to $500 in online transactions, inclusive of a maximum of $200 that can be withdrawn in cash abroad.

Funny I didn't read this before sharing my primark story.
I just enjoy reading from you...
If you and aphrodite mentor migrants... Racism would probably have been a very boring subject of discussion by now...

UK is even decent... I wonder what one would say about the US.

LagosismyHome:
I know it can be annoying...but dont think for one second that all day , all year the security man follow only a black man. Once that black man leaves the store his work is done then he can do facebook all day.

The same way he stops a black , other race are stopped and watched ...... check the news, they catch white cheating the self service daily .. they are followed and monitored as well . Even recently one white policeman was caught after scanning carrots to buy doughnuts .

The security man is there to justify his salary and appear to be working or protecting sainsbury rightly or wrong . I believe they stop/ monitor all race , maybe some than others but where is the data evidence to support that

Thankfully I didn't need to reply you before you made some defence for me stating that it must be an exergeration...and you are right... You can't just block an entire walkway and prevent people from passing...then you can even be reported to the police and mental health guys...lol

Let's not take things too seriously... I understand different personalities and all that... But make people try dey calm down...esp over issues you have no control over... God bless us...Las Las.

Aphrodite007:
Fair point about the walk-way, as I wouldn’t tolerate that but I think the OP was exaggerating (I hope).

However I don’t agree with your opinion that because we live legally and pay taxes that we have the right to force them to like us. Whether they are staring at you with admiration or disdain, you should just ignore. If however they dare to come close to you to say pim.. dial me, I will come fight for you!

Madam... You dey burst my brain...
How else can we sound this home.
If you follow me too much...I go ask you to show me where them dey sell tissue...and could even strike up conversations from there... If you are not guilty...go about doing your thing...

I went shopping at the nearest primark outlet...wanted to send stuffs home... I carry ecolacc bag cos I was shopping plenty... Csnt deal with those paper bags primark gives...

I carry my bag from one floor to the other buying stuffs and offloading them into the box...
I was conscious of my action...but I had alresdy asked and they said it was fine. Security was everywhere but I didn't care if they wee observing me or not...(They even caught people (whites) who stole that day)... When I shop finish...went to the pay point...open up my box and was accounted for... I paid in full and left...
If anybody been ask me question, I'll confidently explain my actions...besides I had alresdy confirmed it wasn't a crime... Easy does it. You no kill person...na travel you travel.

LagosismyHome:
Sometimes this thing is in ones mind.... using tesco as an example. Yes there profiling sure and some blacks feel more targetted in police stop and search.

But the same tesco security is also following whites and other people in the store......so why are you offended. Isnt that what he paid to do. It is his job...... If he follows you and your hands are clean no problem he follows the next target. In a town where no black then his observation moves to the next person that fits a profile within let say the white community.....
frankly he just doing his job.

Lol... First of all, I go to Tesco almost every other day... Have one less than a mile from me...and have never noticed any racist behavior from anyone. Even the security have been very friendly and professional.

Secondly, when I talked about taking up the walkway, I am sure you should get the metaphor in that statement. It would be senile for anyone to stretch and cover up the walkway from others to pass...that should even be a criminal offense.
My point was clearly to keep walking normally as supposed...and the racist few that feel too worthy of walking close to a black man on same pavement would step down and take the road...lol
Others pass easily bros... Life no too difficult...lets take it easy.

The book, 7 habits of highly effective people by Steve Covey talks about cycle of influence (things you have control over) and cycle of concern (things you have zero control over).
Getting people to like, respect or see you as equal is totally in your cycle of concern. You can do absolutely nothing about it...even you complain forever...so long they don't verbally or physically abuse you...it remains their problem. How you deal with such situations makes you a happier and better person. Thats all I'm trying to pass across... And I wish Africans can start imbibing such mentality.
Check out the Hispanics/Asians... Dont you just love them? They don't GAF about what anyone thinks of them...their culture, food...accent...stature etc...and they are succeeding massively in the UK! lol... Easy really does it my friend...really

Contra5:
To say the OP shouldn't consider his experience as racist is gaslighting. That you choose not too see an act of racism for what it is does not change it. I let things go if my peace isn't threatened but does that stop me from noticing change in body language when I enter a room or the sneaky stares.
We live legally in the UK, pay tax and NI - we may not be citizens but we do have rights. Firstly, right to human dignity. Please next time you are at Tesco confront the security guy with your observation and if it persists ask to speak with their Manager. Your mental health is too important for that BS!

It's difficult to even blame these folks because of behaviours exhibited by some of us. Why would anyone take up the "walk way" and say you don't "send" them?? And you ask why they stare at blacks? Being considerate even in little things such opening doors, leaving room for others in the walk way depicts good character. Our children should see us do such.

Wow! If this is true... Then it should be some fantastic insight. Twuld even save one some significant cash... I'll verify the rate difference you just mentioned. Thanks for pointing this out...as my last experience wasnt this interesting.

Tobexin:
This is not true bro. Using your naija ATM in Uk is far more better than exchanging your Naira for pounds. I use my Naira account Atm to do online shopping out here and the rate is very good the last time got N565= £1 while it was 630 In the black market. I think the maximum amount for online transactions is £200 and this differs from bank to bank. ATM withdrawals allows you to withdraw £300 daily and you get a fairly good rate than black market and I think it £3000 monthly!

God bless you sir/ma...

If I had read your post earlier, I for no bother dey speak all those plenty English.
Anything you find, you go see...summarily...lol

LagosismyHome:
If you are looking for racism then you will see it for sure.... if you are not then yes it normalized and doesnt mean anything . My kids school in London they are only 2 other blacks in their year for me it doesn't mean anything. They go through the same issues the next child has. Work wise it's always been mainly white. Las las UK is still predominantly white

2019 we did a lot of UK holiday package touring up and down to know UK well. Majority of the holiday I never saw a black person.....It was predominantly white. If you ask me if anyone starred at me or was racist. I cant say yes because I frankly dont notice such. I do my thing you do you thing and everyone is ok. However if you are conscious and start looking for racism you will see it . Rightly or wrongly ... how can you tell that the person is looking at you as if you are not wanted without words spoken ... it what you have chosen to internalise

Let's not be our own racists sir.

Let agree on one thing first, na you come here come hustle or settle... Whether they like you or not, shouldnt be ur business...and shouldn't work you up. Else, you should leave. You can't do anything about other people's opinion of you...and if you keep making it a big deal, you'll lose focus of what brought you here in the first place.
They don't have to like or accept you...you don come be say you don come. Live freely, find your own happiness and don't GAF about what the next person thinks about you... So long they are not feeding or paying your bills.
Life no suppose hard bro... In like an hour away from London...and really, ive never encountered these racists...Maybe cos I dont take note of them... Or despite they not liking me, they can't come slap me.

Some evenings, when taking a stroll with family, we go intentionally occupy the entire walkway...cos of social distancing, they would want you to clear some space for them... But I no even dey send...me and my boy go spread full the walkway...those that have issues, will step down and walk along the road...sometimes probably with a squeezed face...maybe...but I no dey notice am.. I think you should do same guys. You'll be happier.

jesmond3945:
you see starring down as normal? It is a pity you have internalized racism and can't see unconcious bias or stereo typing when it is happening to you. The issue with the starring is when they see you their countenance will change but this was a jolly good fellow before now. Is like something about you put them off. Even the Nigeria scenario we most of the times mind our business or stare with admiration and not stare with anger and indignation as it is obtainable here like you are not wanted.

Bros Na you come.another person land o...not the other way round. Imagine how our people stare at whites.
Its perfectly ok for them to look at you... I get that a lot too with my son...sometimes accompanied with compliments for the Lil boy.
There is nothing to tolerate in a stare...except they verbally or physically assault you.
I've learnt one thing... Dey ur lane...and let them dey their lane... Nobody sends anybody...
That way, you no go even notice person wey dey look you...lol

Vooom:
You cool without doesn't make it normal.

Since the other man isn't, it's fine for him to move to where he feels more comfortable
We all got different tolerance levels

No try am sha... Except you want your bank to charge you incredible rates. Besides there is now a monthly spending limit of about £200 for almost all naija banks.

Best is to find someone to help with your exchange directly... Requires trust too...
NHS sponsored Nigerians in certain trusts/regions/agencies etc no too get wahala...cos they usually have their whatsapp/telegram groups where they make these requests...and they help each other out with very fair rates.

If NL has something similar, abeg share with us.

Vooom:
Hello friends

I do not know how this works, an explanation could do.

I got naira I would wish to exchange for pounds.

Recently relocated over here and currently low on pounds.

Meanwhile how does using visa card to withdraw in pounds work?
Who has an idea the exchange rate?

For permanent employment, these guys don't usually see 2 years as eligible for such role...except it's a temporary or contract hire.
During one of my interviews, the primary reason the recruiter refused to recommend me for final interview was cos I said I could work for 1 or 2 years before considerating a job change...the guy provoke saying his client was looking for a permanent hire...That he has to protect his client's interest by looking for someone who would wanna work permanently... Na there I learn that strange scope...

Bourne007:
Tier 4 holders never had to leave the country to switch to Tier 2. With Post Study visa, hopefully companies will understand they don't need to sponsor.

The most annoying is when companies don't understand these rules and you have to explain over and over again

Not sure this is automatic.
Infact many employers run away from sponsorship.
And not all organizations can sponsor...they have to be registered sponsors...
So it will be helpful to have that at the back of your mind.

You no longer have to go back to your country for the cooling off period as used to...I think it's been stopped.
Brexit is helping relax some things...

dustydee:
You would get a job offer before your program is over and then switch to Tier2 by the end of your studies (Typically September - The company will sponsor you for tier 2) and you'd still have a few months left on your Tier 2.I think they introduced a system whereby you'd have to leave the country and apply before returning but I believe that has stopped now but I may be wrong.
Note not all companies sponsor or are willing to sponsor due to the process and cost involved.

Excellent response. Learnt something myself too.

For driving, you need to get an Int'l driving license from Nigeria...which you can use for one year in the UK before getting a British license.

Driving could be cheaper...depending on your routine. There is an excellent network of public transportation...and also very accissible... Bus and train...every 10mins Walk or less you should have access to a bus stop. But its not really cheap. In South east England (where I'm at) return bus trips within my city average like £3.50.
I can have access to full day use of the bus for a flat fee of £4.50... Week flat rates also exist...incase you need to commute daily. But when accumulated could be quite expensive.
On the other hand, depend on your car, you csn fill up ur tank for about £50-£70...and that can last for weeks...depending on ur driving patterns, car MPG and location.
British license isn't that expensive...
License application is about:£35
Written test: £25
Pratical test: £75 max

Driving practice...depends on the trainers used...but each hour session could cost up to £30.
For someone that drives well in Nigeria, you shouldn't need more than 10-15 sessions (even less if not for the right-hand drive wahala)... So a max budget of £300-£500 for driving practice should be more than ok.

Bank- you can easily open a Monzo account online...you just need a valid UK address...your ATM will be sent there. Make sure your address is really your addresses...

Just say make I drop this one here...incase it comes in helpful for anyone.

dupyshoo:
I have answered some of the questions based on my experience. If there are any other specific questions, feel free to ask. I will answer if I have the answer.
* Your visa application experience /adjustment status experience - It was easy for me to adjust as I came in as a student. Had lots of Nigerians around me then

* Picking up your BRP (disadvantage of not travelling within the 1month vignette and protocols to follow in picking it up) - Different process when I came in

* Travelling experience (airlines and airport to use) - Came through Manchester Airport first time in the UK. It is usually less busy than Heathrow Airport and faster to get through immigration

* What are the immigration rules to follow? The common one on almost all visas is "No recourse to public funds" - This means you can't claim benefits. Other rules depend on your kind of visa.

* Visa renewals and what you are entitled to after 5yrs - If you are on Tier 2 and you meet the requirements, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Permanent Residence) after 5 years.

* Can you open a bank account while still in Nigeria and what bank has the best customer service and plan - Doubt you will be able to open an account while in Nigeria. Services in most banks are relatively the same. My advice is that you go for the one that will readily accept you as it can be difficult to open account for the first time in the UK

* Which State/suburb did you settle in and why? Greater Manchester, work location

* Public Transportation Vs Driving in the UK - Public transport can be a lot cheaper than driving. The public transport is relatively very good as bus stops are many. I will advise you take public transport initially as it can cost over £1k to pass your driving test.

* Driving in UK? How long can you use your Naija driving license before you get a license? I am not sure of this

* Where you live and why you like it or don't like it? Tips on choosing the right neighborhood.(Internet plans, electricity company to use, setting up a house) I live in a small town (not too busy and affordable accommodation but expensive naija food)

*Renting Vs Mortgage (pitfalls to avoid when choosing mortgage) - I will advise you wait until you are stable before considering mortgage. Not even sure any bank will offer you mortgage if you are new as your credit rating will be very poor. You will need time to build up your credit rating and also save for deposit before taking up mortgage

* Using a credit card (things to avoid) - My advice is this - Always pay up your credit card balance every month

* Childcare for kids below 5 (cost and how do you go about choosing a minder) - I have never used minders as I always have family members around. Childcare cost depends on location. You will be given 15-30 hrs free childcare once your child is 3 year old. Then, the child can start school on the next September after clocking 4.

* Business Tips you can do both over there and abroad - I am not involved in any business but a lot of people are

* How do you send money home (without much loss) - Several people do the business and will give you good rates

* What does the NHS fully cover? - Almost everything except your medications, dental care, eye glasses (these are the few I can remember)

* Tips on raising kids in a western environment as an African - Hmm, it is not easy. No specific way to go about this. Try to teach the child while the child is still young.

* What culture shock have you experienced? I did not know that English people have accents too. It was really a shock to me

* Tips on how to cloth and cope with the cold weather - Wear thermal wear and layers of clothes before wearing your wool jacket

* Nigerian restaurants and market in your location - No Nigeria restaurant, only 1 Naija shop. If you live in London, you will find loads of Naija restaurants.

* How much does your family survive on in a month? - This depends on the family size, where you live and way of life. If you live in London, it can be close to triple of someone that lives in Manchester.

* Developing Nigeria from Abroad (How to go about it) - No idea

* Nigeria Community in Glasgow - Don't live in Glasgow but I have visited and I know there are a lot of Nigerians there.

* Fun things to do This depends on your interest.

Right...
However, depending on your visa type, if you have your BRP, you don't need anyone to sign for you. Just present your BRP along with your application.

veleta:
You can drive with international driving licence 1 year from the date you entered Uk,after that,you can't drive with it again except with Uk full driving licence or provisional licence but with provisional licence,you must be accompanied by a person from 18years and above and he or she must have been driving for the past 3years on Uk full licence.

Very well said.
I just dey inside house over one week now.
I was called on Sunday to checkup if I was isolating.
A distant friend was visited by the police 3 days ago... thankfully he was indoors.
Na to stay inside house sure pass...

lightest:
anybody coming into Uk should endeavor to do the compulsory 14 days quarantine.

whether they call or check u up is not ur problem.

I have just finished 14 days quarantine and nobody called me to ask if am indoor.

yesterday, a student was decieved by his friends to go out only for the police to check him up at home and was not found.

he is awaiting deportation and he has being banned from UK for 3 years.

Another person was called and she did not picked the calls, she was checked up at home and she was so lucky she was home.

if u have ears hear o. no let anybody decieved u.
one of my friend too told me quarantine does not matter but I had ears and I listen.

dehiero:
Has anyone here gotten a visit visa without any travel history before? I mean a virgin passport

No one was born with travel history na... there must always be a first time ...

Brightingsus:
This can be confusing to some. I just picked family member from the airport who arrived from Lagos on BA flight. No covid test was done neither was it asked for.

You are so right.
These guys are really misleading...

Brightingsus:
Family member boarded successfully the BA flight from Lagos to London tonight and no mention of Covid test at the airport. At the security, after checking in bags, they were given a form each to fill their local addresses in Nig, I presume for contact tracing.

Thank you so much for this information.

mimilyrics:
No, there's no requirement for Covid-19 test for entry into the UK. A friend came in on BA 2 weekends ago and wasn't asked for one; my mum who came in on Virgin Atlantic 2 days ago wasn't asked for it either.

Naija issues can never be straight-forward.
I tire for this country abeg...
Thanks for the info

Kinpelz:
Good afternoon,

Please for those traveling to the UK soon, is there any requirement to do covid test?

I am travelling with BA and there is no requirement for this. However, I have heard people say they were asked at the airport. Please anyone with information on this?

I spoke with BA call center agent yesterday, and she claimed that it is now required. I think within, 120hours before travel date.
You can call to confirm yourself: 08002222557

tshoboy:
Hi guys, does anyone know if TLS has started operating their Flexi appointment (walk in service) at their VI office?

Flexi is not walk-in. Flexi is the ability to consolidate multiple appointments on same day. suitable for family appointments.

Shey when I come, una go still call for my sack... abeg Man United fans, leave me alone! Stop mentioning my name...

Kyase:
At least we are playing attacking football now.
between ole won't be at United before Christmas.
I pray make Woodward see poch sign

Just to encourage someone.

Application for parent and child: 18th August
Biometrics:26th August (Prime and selfservice - pls ignore that Flexi thing if it stresses you out - usually no appointment dates on plan)
Pickup mail: 24th September (after 21 days - so do not despair if nothing shows up on day 15)
TLS IKEJA
Tier2 dependant.
Pretty smooth and straightforward ride.
Thanks NL... you guys are doing an awesome job here.

Why is everyone running away from BA?
As at 2 weeks ago, they had flights as low as $4xx, with a window to reschedule.
What the hype with Turkish and Ethopian airways?

fineEagle:
Good morning all, please can you tell me reliable airlines flying from lagos to london. The one I booked with turkish airlines was cancelled, and i want to book again, i dont want a situation where they take my money and dont deliver then refund at a later date. Has anyone you know traveled with ethiopian airline or emirate on the scheduled date? Please help me with this information asap so I can decide on time. Thank you.

Nchabuomo:
To my knowledge, yes, but I could be wrong.

Ask your bank for a dollar card. Its pretty to get one nowadays.
You wont have the $100 restriction if you get one.

darkmonarch:
now this is what i am talking about.

Did you eventually get this bro? Looked really clean, but above my budget...

Not to hijack someone else's thread - but I have similar requirement - and don't think it's necessary creating another post for this. So please keep the offers coming - still actively searching for a very clean (grade A) naija used iPhone.
No chip unlock please.

The test questions today no be here o. One hell of an aptitude test.

4everyoungpresh:
thought u bought the car 700 now u want to sell 800 haba mana

AmandaLuv:
You bought a naija used car 700k in 2016 and 3 years down the line after rough usage u wish to sell for 800k?
Oga oo!
Plz dnt come and attack me.
No pun intended.

I think I need to comment on this price thingy biko.

1. I never mentioned anywhere that I got this car for 700k. (See attached image on what you are all wrongly referencing).

2. In 2016, a poorly used corolla was selling from 800k (and scarce still) while a decently used civic was readily available from 700k. And thats what I was clearly stating.

The civic I got then was better than just 'decent' and got it for a very fair price far higher than the 700k initially referenced.

3. The same corolla that probably sold for 800-900k in 2016 now currently sells for 1m-1.2m
Same applies to the civic - as a decent Nigerian used civic 06/08 now sells from 800k-1m unlike in 2016 when they sold from 700k.
Point is, there has been an appreciation in car prices within the last 3 years...and those who know clearly understand this fact...and this cut across all cars.

4. Finally, cars are sold based on valuation.
Every valuation report has two values (prices):
a. Market value: current market price of the car based on its current condition and comparing with price of other cars in same condition.
b. Forced sale value: the distress sale value of the car... Quick quick Sharp sharp sale.
Trust me, the price pegged on this car is fair enough for the value of the car...check the entire online market (NL, JIJI, OLX, etc) and you'll see the average price of used civics...the fact I decided to reference previous communications on this car from 3 years back doesn't make it any less valuable...
I hope this clears things up a bit *winks*

latestmodel:
Sorry, you know nothing about Cars. I used a 2007 Corlla in 2016. That car is super boring and bland with it stupid crank noise when you start the car.
Always with linkage issues and burshing problems. When it comes to race, its not even a racer.

A Honda Civic does more than your corolla. Perfect interior, good design, super fast and Honda has got a dogged engine more than Toyota. Everyone knows.

Stop the toyota stereotypical Naija mindset and say what you know.

Thank God people are buying the Mazda CX-9 now, see how prestigious it is? Go and read up about the Engine.

Without any bias, I agree 100% with you.
Who no go, no know. The civic is a brand that is silently better than the corolla... Nigerians will never agree... I too had same mindset until I took the risk in getting mine...3 years down the line and its been an awesome experience...
Something else you mentioned, the civic can run for Africa...used it severally between benin and lagos... You can easily hit 160kmph and still enjoy perfect control of the car...its fast and madly stable. It's a joy to drive.