justwise:


There are a lot of reliable agents you can use to send money to your Nigerian bank account within minutes, Azimo will charge you a flat rate of about £1.40 no matter the amount you are sending and you get your money within 10-20 mins or less.

Sendwave charges you nothing and your money gets into your Nigeria account in less than 5mins.

You also have transferwise and worldremit. All of them have far better rate than western union and faster.

I have used every single one of them without any issue.

All you need to do is to download their apps and set it up.

Pls is transferwise instant to gtb?

EgunMogaji2:


Great pointers.

Nigeria could actually be fairly expensive if one isn’t structured properly,

..

Nigeria is expensive either you are properly structured or not.Dont know where people claiming otherwise got their realities from.

CutieKing:
..

Nigeria is expensive either you are properly structured or not.Dont know where people claiming otherwise got their realities from.

It all boils down to lifestyle. If a returnee structures their life in such a way to replicate the lifestyle they were living abroad, it will be very expensive. It comes down to choices. I have tried it both ways. For example, running sound proof generators whenever there is no light, 24/7 climate controlled indoors, driver, gateman, security, cooks, cleaners etc. Where you buy groceries.... shoprite vs open markets? What do you eat? Imported vs locally grown food. Entertainment choices... eating out at expensive restauranmts and clubbing vs playing draft with the boys down the street and the occasional cold brew in my living room. These choices make a huge difference. When I'm in Nigeria with my family, I have to go the whole hog and make life very comfortable for them and it costs a lot. However, when I go alone, I dont run generators all night, I love taking public transport, I open my windows and go to the local markets if I need something. You won't catch me eating Pizza or going to coldstone. If it were me alone, I could easily live on less than 100,000 Naira a month in Nigeria. That would be a fraction of social security in retirement

CutieKing:
..

Nigeria is expensive either you are properly structured or not.Dont know where people claiming otherwise got their realities from.

I disagree with you.

I reserve the right to cuddle my reality.

Mancala:


It all boils down to lifestyle. If a returnee structures their life in such a way to replicate the lifestyle they were living abroad, it will be very expensive. It comes down to choices. I have tried it both ways. For example, running sound proof generators whenever there is no light, 24/7 climate controlled indoors, driver, gateman, security, cooks, cleaners etc. Where you buy groceries.... shoprite vs open markets? What do you eat? Imported vs locally grown food. Entertainment choices... eating out at expensive restauranmts and clubbing vs playing draft with the boys down the street and the occasional cold brew in my living room. These choices make a huge difference. When I'm in Nigeria with my family, I have to go the whole hog and make life very comfortable for them and it costs a lot. However, when I go alone, I dont run generators all night, I love taking public transport, I open my windows and go to the local markets if I need something. You won't catch me eating Pizza or going to coldstone. If it were me alone, I could easily live on less than 100,000 Naira a month in Nigeria. That would be a fraction of social security in retirement

May God bless you infinitely.

My monthly budget is exactly that. N100K ($280). Yeah some months I splurge especially when I roam the countryside due to extra petrol and whatnot. If I needed to I can easily spend that in one sitting with friends but I'm structured

I'm really happy to read from other people with similar lifestyle and though process.

Running generators at night is actually a bad idea for me. It dulls the other sound that I find necessary for safety.

Here's a recap of a story that I read some years back and what helps shape some of my decision.

The setting is a small fishing seaside village in Mexico.

An American CEO went there with his family for a vacation. On most morning the CEO would see a fisherman just sitting on his canoe drinking beer.

CEO: Hi. Sorry but I see you almost every morning here and you're relaxing drinking beer.

Fisherman: Si, Senor.

CEO: Why? Don't you have a job?

Fisherman: Si, Senor. I am a fisherman.

CEO: Then why aren't you out there fishing?

Fisherman: I fished all night and have caught enough fish for me to sell and for my Wife to cook.

CEO: Are there no more fishes in the water?

Fisherman: Of course there are millions more fishes Senor.

CEO: Then why do you stop? Get more boats, hire more people and fish 24 hours.

Fisherman: But why Senor?

CEO: So you can make more money, become a CEO like me.

FishermanL And then what Senor?

CEO: Then you can afford to bring your family to a seaside resort like this and have a vacation.

Fisherman: But Senor, my family and I are already living here in the seaside resort. I finish work in the morning and drink beers with my friends all afternoon.

To me there was a moral to the story and it applies to my life.

What do you think?

EgunMogaji2:


May God bless you infinitely.

My monthly budget is exactly that. N100K ($280). Yeah some months I splurge especially when I roam the countryside due to extra petrol and whatnot. If I needed to I can easily spend that in one sitting with friends but I'm structured

I'm really happy to read from other people with similar lifestyle and though process.

Running generators at night is actually a bad idea for me. It dulls the other sound that I find necessary for safety.

Electricity and security are two major cost items in Nigeria. I have a friend who spends on average 150,00 - 200k a month on diesel as he runs his diesel generator all night because he has sleep apnea and sleeps with a cpap machine. He also runs air conditioning in the house 24/7. For security, he hires ex soldiers @95k per month (i believe from the Nigerian Legion?) and the estate in which he lives pays the DPO to provide active duty policemen that are stationed around for safety. Not sure what his contribution is for the policemen.

Mancala:


Electricity and security are two major cost items in Nigeria. I have a friend who spends on average 150,00 - 200k a month on diesel as he runs his diesel generator all night because he has sleep apnea and sleeps with a cpap machine. He also runs air conditioning in the house 24/7. For security, he hires ex soldiers @95k per month (i believe from the Nigerian Legion?) and the estate in which he lives pays the DPO to provide active duty policemen that are stationed around for safety. Not sure what his contribution is for the policemen.

Light and security = $1,000 monthly
That's the problem I have with replicating the American standard of living in Nigeria.

Mancala:


It all boils down to lifestyle. If a returnee structures their life in such a way to replicate the lifestyle they were living abroad, it will be very expensive. It comes down to choices. I have tried it both ways. For example, running sound proof generators whenever there is no light, 24/7 climate controlled indoors, driver, gateman, security, cooks, cleaners etc. Where you buy groceries.... shoprite vs open markets? What do you eat? Imported vs locally grown food. Entertainment choices... eating out at expensive restauranmts and clubbing vs playing draft with the boys down the street and the occasional cold brew in my living room. These choices make a huge difference. When I'm in Nigeria with my family, I have to go the whole hog and ...

On a lighter note , I remember when I first came to the US and was trying to explain the draft board game to some of my friends and no one had an idea what I was trying to say despite my comparison of the board with the chess board. I had to go online and try to find a way to describe it only to realize it's actually called "draughts" or checkers (British). Then, I started telling my friends about draughts, but they even became more confused. Had to go online again and then realized that even though it's called "draughts," it's actually pronounced as "drafts." Las las na picture settle am, but English ehnn, na wa. Still waiting for those who will start a thread on the accent culture shock they faced when they got to the U.S. Some people go make you feel like sey you no understand English or you be learner, especially in those rural areas.

I wrote draft on purpose for ease of general comprehension . But you remind me of an important point. If you go back to Nigeria and start speaking big grammar with a foreign accent, they will obtain you oh! You will buy 200 Naira bread for 5,000 Naira. When I'm back home, people are surprised the way I effortlessly switch from my native language to pidgeon English to spree spree phonetics

EgunMogaji2:
Here's a recap of a story that I read some years back and what helps shape some of my decision.

The setting is a small fishing seaside village in Mexico.

An American CEO went there with his family for a vacation. On most morning the CEO would see a fisherman just sitting on his canoe driving beer.

CEO: Hi. Sorry but I see you almost every morning here and you're relaxing drinking beer.

Fisherman: Si, Senor.

CEO: Why? Don't you have a job?

Fisherman: Si, Senor. I am a fisherman.

CEO: Then why aren't you out there fishing?

Fisherman: I fished all night and have caught enough fish for me to sell and for my Wife to cook.

CEO: Are there no more fishes in the water?

Fisherman: Of course there are millions more fishes Senor.

CEO: Then why do you stop? Get more boats, hire more people and fish 24 hours.

Fisherman: But why Senor?

CEO: So you can make more money, become a CEO like me.

FishermanL And then what Senor?

CEO: Then you can afford to bring your family to a seaside resort like this and have a vacation.

Fisherman: But Senor, my family and I are already living here in the seaside resort. I finish work in the morning and drink beers with my friends all afternoon.

To me there was a moral to the story and it applies to my life.

What do you think?

This is so true. There's a Yoruba proverb that describes this situation: "Ohun ti a nwa lo sokoto, inu apo sokoto wa lowa"
The literal meaning is that what you seek all the way to Sokoto is in the pocket of your pants (sokoto). Another Yoruba proverb says that fear of poverty is the driving factor for chasing wealth. Ai l’owo l’owo ni baba ijaya, kini n jani l’aya bi ailowo l’owo? Literal translation is the lack of money is the father of all fears, what strikes fear more than poverty? We keep chasing money because we are afraid of being poor. But the things that mean the most to us don't even cost money ! Another proverb says "why seek the key of an open door?"
Another moral of this story is thus: Don' think too highly of yourself. À ń pe gbẹ́nàgbẹ́nà ẹyẹ àkókó ń yọjú .... A sculpture is summoned but a woodpecker shows up! They all do the same thing right? We can learn a lot from our various cultures

EgunMogaji2:


Excellent point Sir, thanks.

Whatever you do, do not entrust friends and family.

My suggestion is this:

1) Stockpile war funds little by little into your local bank account (never use your Nigerian address where you live in at your bank). You can do this from the comfort of your phone in the USA or most other developed countries. This is crucial. Don’t wait for a huge sum. Even as little as $500 is something.



5) Don’t buy in forests, don’t buy from yahoo estate that are using Ponzi schemes. Instead look for already developed area with properties that have cofo.


Good luck.

Very solid point here, people keep selling the lekki story like it's a general phenomenon. There are places that are still waiting for electricity after 30years!!

Nigeria's development is very frustrating...mum bought land for investment and retirement home in badagry many years ago - Fashola first term and was contemplating doing the same. Been salivating over all the masterplans, new energy city, 10 lane super highway with train going to lagos city centre, proximity to the beach and west African border etc

Alas, the road got worse, the chinese constructors left, no talk of train all through Ambode's stint, the new masterplan is gathering dust somewhere

I still spend a day or two there every year to oversee construction work and get a feel of the area. New hotels springing up, more activities to attract slave trade tourists and historians

Still in my plans but ilorin is also attractive- peaceful, less crime, close to airport and cheaper with no omonile headache

EgunMogaji2:
Here's a recap of a story that I read some years back and what helps shape some of my decision.

The setting is a small fishing seaside village in Mexico.

An American CEO went there with his family for a vacation. On most morning the CEO would see a fisherman just sitting on his canoe drinking beer.

CEO: Hi. Sorry but I see you almost every morning here and you're relaxing drinking beer.

Fisherman: Si, Senor.

CEO: Why? Don't you have a job?

Fisherman: Si, Senor. I am a fisherman.

CEO: Then why aren't you out there fishing?

Fisherman: I fished all night and have caught enough fish for me to sell and for my Wife to cook.

CEO: Are there no more fishes in the water?

Fisherman: Of course there are millions more fishes Senor.

CEO: Then why do you stop? Get more boats, hire more people and fish 24 hours.

Fisherman: But why Senor?

CEO: So you can make more money, become a CEO like me.

FishermanL And then what Senor?

CEO: Then you can afford to bring your family to a seaside resort like this and have a vacation.

Fisherman: But Senor, my family and I are already living here in the seaside resort. I finish work in the morning and drink beers with my friends all afternoon.

To me there was a moral to the story and it applies to my life.

What do you think?

I saw this story on the wall of a JIMMY JONES restaurant yesterday

CrazyOptimist:


I saw this story on the wall of a JIMMY JONES restaurant yesterday

I read it at least 10 years ago and I think was at a training seminar in Denver, Colorado.

seems like you're enjoying this your retirement too much... keeping us in suspense

Should we prompt you with questions or you'll spill

How was your land buying experience...and between buying the land and starting construction did you have any issues?

DisGuy:
seems like you're enjoying this your retirement too much... keeping us in suspense

Should we prompt you with questions or you'll spill

How was your land buying experience...and between buying the land and starting construction did you have any issues?

Sorry Sir

I was in Ogbomosho again last weekend and off to Ikorodu this weekend.

I will update as time permits but will always respond to direct questions.

I will respond to your question when I get home later. Owambe things

What do you think about investing in stocks?
I invested in some stocks worth $250 using the Robinhood platform just for research purposes...mehn the thing doesn't make sense at all, constant ups and downs.

DisGuy:
seems like you're enjoying this your retirement too much... keeping us in suspense

Should we prompt you with questions or you'll spill

How was your land buying experience...and between buying the land and starting construction did you have any issues?

Let me respond to the land issue. I’m having brunch at a Mr Biggs in Ijebu Ode.

My land buying issues on my original property was actually not that bad in terms of current knowledge. Some sod came up later and claimed he’s a long lost son of the original owner and he was never given a share of the original sales amount. I was going to go all out Americana on him but my lawyer advised to just give him a token. Lawyer said land cases could drag on for years in court. So I did.

I used that knowledge when buying other properties.

Unfortunately the Omo onile issues are real but then again they just want money.

My advice is to make friends with them instead of enemies. One needs to remember that you’ll be living there with them.

I was lucky in Ibadan because what I give them is like N10K, N5K etc not the hundreds of thousands that I hear them getting in Lagos and the East.

As an American it went against everything I’m used to. I’m much calmer now and just give to Caesar what’s Caesar’s,

.

following

PART SIX:

These are just random pictures of when I revisited Nigeria after 20 years. There were no Micras or Keke yet in Ibadan but sadly Okadas were already working. Cellular phone was also starting.

A funny story about cellular phones.

It was refreshing to see the dating youths having access to cell phones, in my time no cell phones and you just had to go on a visit to see someone.

I was schooling at Ogun Poly and left Abeokuta to go and visit a girlfriend at UniFe. On getting there I was told that she just left and was going to visit someone at Abeokuta. I quickly made my way back to Abeokuta to get a message that a friend came from UniFe but has gone back.

So enjoy that cellphone in your hands

EgunMogaji2:
PART SIX:

These are just random pictures of when I revisited Nigeria after 20 years. There were no Micras or Keke yet in Ibadan but sadly Okadas were already working. Cellular phone was also starting.

A funny story about cellular phones.

It was refreshing to see the dating youths having access to cell phones, in my time no cell phones and you just had to go on a visit to see someone.

I was schooling at Ogun Poly and left Abeokuta to go and visit a girlfriend at UniFe. On getting there I was told that she just left and was going to visit someone at Abeokuta. I quickly made my way back to Abeokuta to get a message that a friend came from UniFe but has gone back.

So enjoy that cellphone in your hands

See the old cars . Some are still in use till today. What year is this??

Smoke47:

See the old cars . Some are still in use till today. What year is this??

2006.

No Venza, Big Daddy, End of Discussion, etc

EgunMogaji2:


2006.

No Venza, Big Daddy, End of Discussion, etc

How time flies. So what happened to your girlfriend in Unife that year, are you guys still in touch??

Smoke47:
How time flies. So what happened to your girlfriend in Unife that year, are you guys still in touch??

Her Dad was a lecturer there. I actually found her on Facebook. Married with children of course but we chat online once in a while.

Who I’ll really love to meet are my old coworkers from Cooperative Bank, Dugbe.

Just ignore most of these derailers or Know-it-all folks .

EgunMogaji2:


Again, not el dorado for me anymore and you’ve been consistently posting to attack my move back to Nigeria. Why, I don’t know, it’s not as if it’s a community project. Others have called you out on it too.

You don’t know what I’ve achieved or can achieve cause you’re not omnipotent

No doubt, Ilorin is a top choice for retirement.
cheap cost of living, less insecured, there are areas you can reside and you may never need a Generator ,Great Schools for children and some good health facilities too .

You can never be wrong with this choice.

DisGuy:


Very solid point here, people keep selling the lekki story like it's a general phenomenon. There are places that are still waiting for electricity after 30years!!

Nigeria's development is very frustrating...mum bought land for investment and retirement home in badagry many years ago - Fashola first term and was contemplating doing the same. Been salivating over all the masterplans, new energy city, 10 lane super highway with train going to lagos city centre, proximity to the beach and west African border etc

Alas, the road got worse, the chinese constructors left, no talk of train all through Ambode's stint, the new masterplan is gathering dust somewhere

I still spend a day or two there every year to oversee construction work and get a feel of the area. New hotels springing up, more activities to attract slave trade tourists and historians

Still in my plans but ilorin is also attractive- peaceful, less crime, close to airport and cheaper with no omonile headache

Where's Oga at the Top?

How's Omi Adio station coming up? Visited Ebutte Meta station last week. Most of the workers working flat out, some unfortunately don't believe the lagos end will be operational this year

Badagry expressway is getting a lot of work done!

EgunMogaji2:
PART SIX:

These are just random pictures of when I revisited Nigeria after 20 years. There were no Micras or Keke yet in Ibadan but sadly Okadas were already working. Cellular phone was also starting.

A funny story about cellular phones.

It was refreshing to see the dating youths having access to cell phones, in my time no cell phones and you just had to go on a visit to see someone.

I was schooling at Ogun Poly and left Abeokuta to go and visit a girlfriend at UniFe. On getting there I was told that she just left and was going to visit someone at Abeokuta. I quickly made my way back to Abeokuta to get a message that a friend came from UniFe but has gone back.

So enjoy that cellphone in your hands

The struggle

EgunMogaji2:


Additional information for you. We should encourage Nigeria to get her act together so that foreigners can come and use her as their "care home". This one that unemployment .....

This is happening in Ghana already... but Naija, God save us o.

Sorry... I have just seen this thread since Dec 2019, I dont frequent this Forum. Good topic. Gotta to read all the 8 pages.

Hajji M.

mufutau55:


This is happening in Ghana already... but Naija, God save us o.

Sorry... I have just seen this thread since Dec 2019, I dont frequent this Forum. Good topic. Gotta to read all the 8 pages.

Hajji M.

You’re welcome Sir.

EgunMogaji2:

You’re welcome Sir.

Finally read all the 8 pages. Very interesting. If I put my story here, I go get a lot of whipping. So, make I just keep quiet and follow yours. You know how to take beatings.
I have to give it to you though, you really blended and adjusted to Naija well, well.
Keep enjoying yourself. One day, I go join.

Hajji M.