@vision, in the brotherly spirit of this thread, please explain how money market investments can yield 35% per annum.

You mean you have not cheated on her yet? Slacker!

You need help girl, and it's not from a gynaecologist.

Yes, you need say more. You are not leaving the UK because of the increased risk of being killed in a terrorist attack are you? Neither am I leaving Nigeria (permanenty) because of bad roads. Accepted accidents on Nigerian roads are mostly avoidable, but it has not killed us all, and it's fixable. Lest you think I approve, my father was killed in a motor accident, not by the roads, but by a lunatic, drunken driver.

Part of the reason why taxes are so high in Europe is the very strong socialist bent. It's so bad that in France, reforms that would have made the labour market function better were resisted with riots. Simply because people have the benefit of the dole in the absence of jobs. That's why many of those governments are battling burgeoning costs of providing that all embracing social blanket, wildly increasing pension costs, benefits, etc. Shebi you dey 4 there. They will continue to either increase taxes, or reform the social services to cope. Nigeria does not have to go down that road. We can develop our own models that are more functional, that will be more sustainable and will not lead us into debt. We have already started gan sef.

Also, the problem with taxes in Nigeria right now is not that they are high or low, it's simply that they are not being collected. Most of the population ( those in the informal sector) simply don't pay taxes. While the others who pay, cheat government, and with good reason sometimes. After all, why pay when no benefits accrue.

I have not argued that "life" in Nigeria is better, what I've said is that it's really a question of what you want out of life. It's a matter of delayed gratification. Are you willing to take the "risk" and reap the benefits of the new Nigeria that is being built? Or you want to have your cake and eat it too.

Hopefully, when the people who have chosen to stay behind and build the country have succeeded, those who have "run away" will be welcomed back with open arms.

Maybe I am an optimist by nature, but I have good reason to be.

I really don't understand where people get the impression that workers don't pay taxes in Nigeria. It's false.

The truth is workers do pay income tax.

The exposure is lower than most Western countries. I think the maximum personal income tax is 25%.

There are fewer taxes to contend with.

But then again, it is easier to avoid or evade taxes altogether in Nigeria. Come to think of it, that must be why that impression was created in the first place.

My wife is my friend with benefits. Yep, I'm playing with fire. She HOT!

This is quite an interesting debate, one I have had with myself quite often.

There are 2 distinct groups here; one that sees only problems (and are not willing to participate in the solution) and the other that can only see opportunties (sometimes blind to the harsh reality that can somethimes be life in Nigeria). The truth in this case is really personal and depends on each persons mindset and circumstance.

One group seems to have reduced "better life" to cash and social security, when in fact, "man cannot live by bread alone". This group of people have obviously had such a hard time in Nigeria, that the whole sum of their perspective can be reduced to despair. The other group has people whose lives have largely been sheltered, hence the rose-tinted view.

The potential rewards in Nigeria are enormous, the risks are great. The oppurtunities to gain world class education and exposure are limited. Why not go abroad learn, develope and come back home to reap the benefits of what may well become the next frontier for growth and developement in Africa and the world.

Nigeria in the next 15 to 20 years will be a very exciting place to be. My only fear is that we might blow it, but it's damn well worth the effort. Greater risk, greater potential for reward.

Come to think of it, it may be well worth it for those who don't see the potential to leave or stay right where they are, as the case may be. Let those who have hope stay behind and work it out. That way everybody wins.

But you see, I've read the bible from cover to cover.

So the question is, did God's position on women change somewhere between the old and new testament? Has "age" softened his outlook?

Shocking! I cannot believe such stupidity.

Chic, your problem is not that you may be pregnant, it's simple. Paranoia! You need to take a deep breath, abeg!

You seem to have done your research well. Besides, it does not take a genius to see that China is, and will be increasingly important in the business world - 1 trillion dollars of foreign reserves is no joke. I say, go for it.

@nigerainau, please speak for yourself.
I have overcome the strong tempation to use "cuss" words on you.

Mr Bigs,

Can we also refer you to the example of Clinton?

For me it's Businessday and Thisday.

No one has commented on the typo's, poor grammar, and the poor grammar disguised as typo's.

Ehen! See what texting has done to your grammar?

Abeg Free, no mind them. It's futile fighting foolishness.

I think Maat is just trying to wind you all up. Thats the only explanation I have for the arguments taking off in all directions.

The God Father trilogy
LOTR trilogy
Star Wars, both trilogies
Legends of the fall
The Usual Suspects

I don't think even he in his most delusional moments has entertained such thoughts. Please spare us.

Definitely! Once, out of pity.

It's not love that hurts, it's people that cause pain.

I really don't know which naija babes you're talking about. But my wife, she helped me pay my rent years ago - not that monthly/weekly nonsense, the lagos type, where you pay 2 years in advance . Stuck with me for 5 years when my ass was broke and struggling. Now things are a bit better and she's packed her bag and passport and is following me all over the world , literarily, and loving it.

Hear me well, the devil does not have nationality or race. She can come disguised as any. same as angels.