Confessions of an American Living in Nigeria episode 4

Conclusion

They say if you can survive in Nigeria for six months, you can survive anywhere. I’m living proof. From fiery romance to fiery pepper soup — and near run-ins with real danger — my Nigerian experience has been anything but bland. But let’s cut to the chase.

Nigeria is spicy — not just in taste, but in texture, pace, people, and pressure.

Where Not to Go: The No-Go Zones

When I first arrived, I had dreams of backpacking the entire country like some modern-day explorer. Reality humbled me.

Here’s what no one puts on the travel brochures — Nigeria is big, diverse, and in some places, dangerous.

As a foreigner, I quickly learned there are places you simply don’t go — not out of fear, but out of common sense. These aren’t urban legends. They’re survival strategies.

1. The North-East (Borno, Yobe, parts of Adamawa):

Unless you’re with a military escort or work for the UN, forget it. These areas have suffered immensely due to Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies. Even locals tread with caution. Foreigners? We’re targets.

2. Some parts of the North-West (Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna-Rural):

Banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on travelers are frequent. Road travel in these regions is discouraged. Even flights are often delayed due to poor security infrastructure on the ground.

3. High-risk highways:

The Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, Benin–Ore–Sagamu, and certain stretches in Kogi State have seen reports of armed robbery and abduction. Locals will tell you: if you’re not sure, don’t go.

4. Some creeks in the Niger Delta:

While cities like Port Harcourt and Warri are industrial hubs, the remote riverine areas can be volatile. Militants, piracy, and oil bunkering conflicts still occur in certain pockets.

The rule of thumb?
If a Nigerian tells you, “That place no good,” don’t argue. Don’t ask too many questions. Just don’t go.

Love, Life & Living With Caution

Still, in all this chaos, there is beauty. It’s a place where love flourishes quickly — and burns even hotter. I met Amaka, my Lagos love, and left with her heart.

But love in Nigeria is cultural, not casual.

You’re not just dating the person. You’re dating their parents, their village elders, their WhatsApp aunties, and their Sunday pastor. It’s intense, demanding, and deeply rooted. I loved it. I also couldn’t keep up.

Final Tips for First-Time Visitors to Nigeria

So if you’re planning a trip — whether for business, love, or adventure — here are a few things I wish someone had told me sooner:

1. Know the safe zones.

Stick to well-secured cities like Lagos (island areas), Abuja, Calabar, Uyo, Enugu, Ibadan, and Benin City. Even there, stay alert and avoid moving around at night alone.

2. Always move with a local contact.

Whether it’s a colleague, driver, or trusted friend, moving around with someone who understands the terrain is not just helpful — it’s essential.

3. Don’t flaunt.

Nigeria is fashion-forward and expressive, yes — but flashing wealth (iPhones, jewelry, foreign accents) can attract the wrong attention, especially in busy markets or clubs.

4. Respect the culture.

Nigeria is not a monolith. What’s okay in Lagos might offend someone in Kano. Dress modestly in religious regions. Ask questions. Be humble. Listen more than you speak.

5. Prepare for power outages and poor internet.

Even in luxury apartments, NEPA (the nickname for the power authority) can disappoint. Carry a power bank. Invest in a backup generator or stay where one exists.

6. Download the right apps.

Get Bolt (like Uber), Moniepoint or Opay (for cashless payments), Google Translate, and Twitter/X (it’s where all the real-time gist happens).

7. Watch your stomach.

Start with less pepper. Seriously. Ask for “mild” — or prepare to cry.

My Final Confession

Nigeria will frustrate you. It will test your patience, your hygiene, your appetite, and your worldview. But if you endure the initial burn, you’ll taste something no other place on earth offers: unfiltered life.

It’s loud, it’s flawed, it’s addictive. You’ll fall in love — with the people, the music, the madness — and maybe even someone like Amaka.

I came for work. I stayed for love. But what kept me here was the spice. The real kind.

And that’s my final confession.

The End

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