Nigeria as an economic society has grown over the years to become world recognized for its enormous possibilities. I actually read an article from IMF that basically states that Nigeria has the potential of being the new China! I was impressed and proud to be part of the generation that is changing Nigeria as an economic society.
Other countries have noticed the investment potential in Nigeria. Different multinational companies are setting up 'shop' in Nigeria and different Nigerians are partnering with individual / companies to create better products/services in all sectors of the economy. In fact, the presence of 'expatriate partnership' has become synonymous with better services/products.
Interestingly enough, there is a downside to our increased popularity. On one hand, we have foreigners that have come with a large amount of money paid to a silent Nigerian partner to bring in substandard goods and services. With enough advertisement, promos and beautiful colours (otherwise known as branding), these companies convince the buying public that their products are the best in the world when a simple Google search proves different.
On the other hand, many Nigerians are employing expatriates as senior staff. This new employment plan , upon study, can be very interesting. They have some of the best jobs despite the qualifications of their Nigerian counterparts. In all fairness to their employers, they still give the role that their title deserves but the foreign employees have brand new made up prestigious posts just for them. (please insert Yipee!).
There is an obvious advantage to employing expatriates. You see, once they appear at a meeting for whatever purpose, it becomes suddenly apparent that the employers are amazingly competent. Expatriates are what we call an 'ace in the hole'. Unfortunately, a board of Nigerians only will not have the same effect. This is not RACISM because we are all Africans and not to believe an African capable of a particular skill set would be insulting even to ourselves.
What I am in insinuating here (in case you did not get it) , is the edge in our business society today is the employment of expatriates. There is a community of them in Nigeria now, moving from company to company like pawns. They have the official car, official house, official wife and such. These guys are living large! Their counterparts, i do not think, live as 'large'. Some do. But that's a different article..........
These expenses are justified by the amount of money they bring in. I could be wrong of course.
So what are we mere Nigerians to do? Skin peel anyone???
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