The older generation of white expats here live in terror inside gated compounds and assume every Nigerian is out to cheat or attack them. Younger expats like my colleague here live amongst the community, relax and enjoy a busy social life (as long as they can avoid the endless weddings and social obligations of Nigerian society).
There's no doubt there are some very bad people here and it can be dangerous but as long as you can relax, follow the rules, stay healthy and not pile on the weight you can have a very enjoyable time. In fact in common with the rest of Africa, Nigeria gets into your heart and you fall in love with the place, the people and their simple unpretentious friendly nature.
For a visitor like me there isn't much to do except skive around the hotel, eat and drink and try to avoid being hauled off to church on Sunday by customers who think I need saving! There aren't really any places you can go; walking is unpleasant because of the traffic, the bad roads and almost no pavements. The beach is dangerous because of bad undertow; I knew a bloke who got drowned here. The Nigerian NATIONAL museum is a couple of tin sheds containing a few Benin bronzes an an old Mercedes in which a president was assassinated, although the wheels have been stolen.
Right now I'm interested in making contact with a bunch of cyclists I've seen out on Sundays on a collection of hotch-potch bikes, who apparently have links with East Bradford Cycling Club. My reason for doing this is because I think British cyclists must have sheds full of old kit and bits that impoverished cyclists in Africa would love to have. I can organise the carriage, I just need to make the contacts.
My colleague here (who is marred to a Nigerian) is organising a tournament for the ball boys at his tennis club, who are treated very badly. The prizes will be new racquets, which he has bought.
