Lagos Guidebook

I was perusing through a Lagos Guidebook and found a few things amusing and/or interesting:

"Nigeria has a quota system for expatriates and the government will stamp most expat spouses' passports "Employment Prohibited." Interesting!

"Police roadblocks are common in Nigeria. Usually foreigners are simply waved through and not asked to stop, but occasionally police like to chat with you. It is best to stay cool, calm and collected..."

"Opening hours aren't strictly adhered to; they're merely guidelines."

"Check the expiration date on goods: you'll find that most price reductions are because the 'use by' dates have come and gone."

"There are several options to paying cash, if you don't want to carry naira around. Some vendors will accept your spouse's business card and allow you to send your driver with money the next day."

"As with any nightlife in a big city, Lagos has its fair share of prostitutes ('nightriders')..."

"Shopping from the car is a common Lagosian phenomenon: a result of the horrendous 'go-slows' (traffic jams). You'll see many young people hawking their wares in amongst the traffic - a seemingly precarious profession but they are very adept at escaping injury. You can buy the most unbelievable things: cheese and butter, net curtains, men's underwear and inflatable Santa Clauses."

The book gives guidelines on how to hire a maid, cook, steward or stewardess, nanny, gardener, guard and driver.

"At the time of writing, the Lagos State Government minimum wage is N5500 a month."
this is $46.66 dollars a month!

I wish I still had the book about how to treat medical problems when you can't find a doctor! Half of the book would probably fall into the interesting or amusing categories!