Travel
Nigeria: The Mumu Travel Population
I have written a lot about how Nigerians are being treated outside our shores by airport immigration, hotels, tour companies, etc, and the feeling of helplessness by us and our ‘governments’. There has also been a lot of responses, the summary being our bad PR , how our ‘notoriety’ precedes us, and how there is nothing much we can do because we have been wrongly tagged. My thought: we can reciprocate the gestures to the nationals of these erring countries when they come, tit for tat. That is usually the best revenge in international politics, and in this case. Make no mistake, they are here to make money, and regardless of how you treat them, they will still come. Nigerians are great people and the few bad eggs that are also available in other nations should not affect us this much.
Above is not the reason I am writing this piece. This write up is about how we are being slapped in our ‘backyard’ and we have become a ‘Mumu Travel Population’ MTP in our struggle to get out of our perceived trap of a country. These ranges from immigration firms in Canada who knew from onset their client will never pass the test of English but collects heavy money. The United State Embassy who makes hundreds of millions every day denying visa with glee, the Shenghen countries who ask you to buy travel insurance you cannot get your money back when denied, the VFS (Visa application handling firm) who charges you more than the visa fees as an administrative fee, make you pay cash and somehow they repatriates all the funds without traces back to India.
This is not to mention the many trapped school fees abroad running into billions, as owners are not able to get a visa. If you are in my industry, you could breathe too deeply and pass away!
I am going to discuss the above travel scams in no particular order. If the United State Embassy in Lagos and Abuja handle five thousand application per day, and I tell you they knowingly deny up to 90 percent applicants without any reason- individuals, families, colleagues etc (I agree they hold the rights to issue a visa or not to issue), they would be making two hundred and seventy million Naira (N270,000,000) per day, multiply that by a number of working days in a year and your calculator will show E! This cash flow is more than enough to fund the US embassies, and they can repatriate some huge cash back home. The fact that they do not give applicants any reason for not giving visa is showing their hands, they just ask you to reapply and give you hope. Some people in their desperation have applied over seven times (money enough to start a business), before bowing to faith. If our government understands how much is leaving our economy through this pipeline, there should be something they can do about it.
Why is it that the European countries do not prefer you buy travel insurance on issuance of visa, which then must be sighted at the port of entry? There is a free approximately five thousand naira per person insurance scam going on. Across Nigeria, at least twenty five thousand applicants buy this Insurance everyday for the different European visa application, meaning that we spend about one hundred and twenty five million (N125,000,000) on insurance daily we may never use. The European insurance companies sit pretty and collect free money, who does that! Okay, their Nigerian counterparts make some parts of that too. Can we reciprocate that and help our own insurance sector boom, because huge number of people get in here daily too!
In the mix is the VFS, the Indian application handling merchant, who cries more than the bereaved. If they handle fifty thousand applications per week with their service charges which is over twenty three thousand per person, it means that they are coasting home weekly with this figure N1,150,000,000, insane isn’t! Please kindly help use your calculator too! They smile and insists on collecting cash every day, how do we tax this correctly? How do we make sure this kind of companies don’t just repatriate all these cash, do they do CSR?
I am not going to help you add how much is leaving the pockets of Nigerians daily in our bid to travel abroad, either to escape or for genuine business or vacation. The underlined fact here is ‘these people’ have tapped into a mumu travelling nation whose population don’t care how much they pay to get out and the governments even careless.
About half of these huge funds could stay back in Nigeria if people who travel abroad decide at least in once in five years to try places in Nigeria. It is easy to quickly deceive ourselves to go into the rhetoric of tourism sites are not well maintained. It is a lie! We don’t like consuming anything from Nigeria until it becomes a fad. Remember the hay days of Obudu and Calabar, yes they were run down finally by the ineptness of a new government. Why will people go to Safari in Kenya and refuse to go to Yankari in Bauchi? We all know not many Nigerians will gleefully post their local holiday on social media!
So this write up does not degenerate to ranting, it is high time we attract people to come to Nigeria, just the way we are. They are interested more in our culture and nature and let us sell that. Effectively I have been able to do this with my modest company, maybe with not too much success. We have hotels (a bit overpriced), we have transport companies (bit pricey too), and we have great places they can visit. The Nigeria Tourism Board needs to start talking to travel agents worldwide and linking them up with their Nigerian counterpart to sell destination Nigeria. Other countries have done that with Nigerian travel agents successfully. The black history months to African American, Cubans, Brazilians is a great window, not to mention our many festivals.
Hopefully, this should re awaken Nigerians that they can holiday in Nigeria especially when they start seeing Caucasians too, since they set agenda for us. I look forward to a day, we will keep our funds here, and all these sharks will no longer fish on us as a people and as a country.
Hafees Keshinro is the founder of Butterfly Tourism Nigeria
www.butterflytourismng.com
When I tell people I visited Bordeaux for my first trip to France, I’m usually met with surprise. “Not Paris?” they ask. And honestly? I have zero regrets. Bordeaux completely stole my heart, and here’s everything you need to know about this stunning city.
Why Bordeaux?
I’d been seeing Bordeaux pop up on my feed more and more the 18th-century architecture, the wine culture, the UNESCO World Heritage city centre. As someone who loves history, good food, and beautiful cities that aren’t overly touristy, it seemed perfect.
Spoiler alert: it absolutely was.
Getting There
I flew into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, which is about 12km from the city center. The airport is well-connected, and getting into town was straightforward. I took the a taxi from the airport to my hotel.
Pro tip: Book your accommodation in the city centre. Bordeaux is incredibly walkable, and staying centrally means you can explore on foot.
Best Time to Visit
I visited in August, and the weather was warm. From what I’ve learned, the best times to visit Bordeaux are:
- Spring (April-June): Mild weather, fewer crowds, everything in bloom
- Fall (September-October): Harvest season for wine lovers, still warm
- Summer (July-August): Warmest but most crowded and expensive
- Winter is quieter and more affordable, but some attractions have shorter hours.
Getting Around Bordeaux
The city centre is compact and incredibly walkable. I did 90% of my exploring on foot. Bordeaux also has an excellent tram system if you need it, and the entire network is modern and easy to navigate.
My advice? Wear comfortable shoes and just walk. You’ll stumble upon beautiful buildings, hidden squares, and charming cafes that you’d miss otherwise.
What to See & Do
1. Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror)
The highlight of my trip. Miroir d’Eau is the world’s largest reflecting pool, located on the Place de la Bourse. It’s a shallow pool that creates stunning reflections of the surrounding 18th-century buildings.
When to visit: Sunset or early evening. The golden hour light makes it absolutely magical, and it’s less crowded than midday.
What to know: The pool alternates between a mirror effect and a mist effect every 15 minutes. Both are beautiful, but the mirror phase is perfect for photos.
Cost: Free
2. Cathédrale Saint-André
This Gothic cathedral is over 900 years old and absolutely breathtaking. The architecture is stunning both inside and out, and it’s one of the most important religious buildings in Bordeaux.
What I loved: The sheer scale of it. Walking inside and seeing the soaring ceilings and intricate details reminded me why I love historic architecture.
When to visit: Mornings are quieter. Afternoons can get busy with tour groups.
Cost: Free entry (donations welcome)
Pro tip: Climb the Pey-Berland Tower next door for panoramic views of the city. It’s 231 steps but worth it.
3. Place de la Bourse
This is arguably Bordeaux’s most iconic square, built in the 18th century. The symmetrical buildings, the fountain, and the proximity to the Garonne River make it incredibly photogenic.
Best for: Photos, people-watching, and just soaking in the atmosphere
When to visit: Evening when everything is lit up
4. Historic City Center (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Bordeaux’s entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and honestly, just wandering is an activity in itself. Every street has beautiful architecture, charming shops, and that quintessentially French atmosphere.
What I did: I just walked. No map, no plan. Some of my favorite moments were stumbling upon beautiful buildings, small squares, and local cafes.
Don’t miss: Rue Sainte-Catherine (one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets great for shopping)
5. La Garonne River
The river runs through Bordeaux, and walking along the riverfront was one of my favorite things to do. There are beautiful views, benches to sit and relax, and a lovely atmosphere especially at sunset.
Pro tip: Walk along the right bank (Quai des Chartrons) for the best views of the city.
6. Hire a Local Guide
This was hands down one of the best decisions I made. I hired a local guide for a walking tour of the historic center, and it completely transformed my experience.
Why it’s worth it:
- You learn the stories behind the buildings and streets
- You discover hidden spots you’d never find on your own
- You get insider tips on where to eat, what to see, and how to experience the city like a local
- It brings the history to life in a way guidebooks can’t
I learned about Bordeaux’s role in the wine trade, its 18th-century golden age, and so many architectural details I would have completely missed on my own.
Cost: Varies depending on length and type of tour (mine was around £12 for 2hours)
Where to book: I found mine through GetYourGuide, but you can also ask your hotel or search online.
Where to Eat
Le Bordeaux
The experience: This was my splurge meal, and it was absolutely worth it. Le Bordeaux is a fine dining restaurant with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the city.
What I loved: The views, the ambience, the attention to detail. Even the elevator was aesthetic! The food was incredible, and dining with that view at sunset was unforgettable.
Reservation: Book ahead, especially for the rooftop
Perfect for: Special occasions, romantic dinners, or treating yourself
General food tips:
- Bordeaux is known for wine (obviously), but also canelés – small pastries with a caramelized crust. Try them!
- Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service (typically 2:30pm-7pm)
- French dining is leisurely – don’t rush it
- “L’addition, s’il vous plaît” = “The bill, please”
Overall: Bordeaux is more affordable than Paris but still a mid-range European city. You can do it on a budget (stay in hostels, eat street food, skip wine tastings) or splurge (nice hotels, fine dining, wine tours).
Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, 100%, yes.
If you’re looking for a French city that’s beautiful, historic, cultural, and not overwhelmingly touristy (looking at you, Paris), Bordeaux is perfect.
You’ll love Bordeaux if:
- You appreciate architecture and history, enjoy wine (or want to learn about it), prefer walkable cities, want a more authentic French experience
Where to Next?
Bordeaux has left me wanting to explore more of France. I’m planning trips to:
- Lyon – for the food scene
- Nice – for the beaches and French Riviera
- Strasbourg – for the Alsatian culture
But honestly, I’m already thinking about when I can return to Bordeaux. There’s something about this city that just stays with you.
Have You Been to Bordeaux?
I’d love to hear about your experience! What did you love most? Any recommendations I missed? Drop a comment below or find me on Instagram @ekomiamiblog, TikTok @ekomiamiblog, Youtube @ekomiamiblog
Nigerians have been banned from participating in the US Visa Lottery for 2022 by the United States government. This was contained in a document, ‘Instructions for the 2022 diversity immigrant visa program (dv-2022)’ obtained from the US Department of States website on Thursday, October 15, 2020, that can be accessed by reading the 19 page document by clicking here.
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The reason given was that because more than 50,000 natives of Nigerians have immigrated to the United States in the previous five years and for DV-2022, persons born in Nigeria is not eligible to apply for the US Visa Lottery for 2022. Other countries affected by the ban apart from Nigeria are Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (including Hong KongSAR), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.
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It should be noted that the only African country affected by the ban is Nigeria. This might also affect foreigners born in Nigeria as well since the document states that persons born in the following countries are not eligible to apply with Nigeria being among the listed countries.
Travel
Nigeria Lifts International Flight Restriction After Barring Several International Airlines From Airspace
The Nigerian Government had earlier postponed the resumption of international flights earlier scheduled for August 29th to September 5th. On Saturday, September 5, 2020, there was joy as the first international, non-essential passenger flight landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, for the first time in over three months. The Middle East Airline (MEA) was the first international flight to land anywhere in Nigeria after the international flight restrictions had been lifted earlier, taking off from Lebanon. President Buhari had in March 2020 suspended international flights due to COVID-19.
Earlier, the Nigerian government had released the list of international airlines denied approval to operate in the country. The Aviation Minister listed some airlines that were denied entry into Nigeria. They include Air France, KLM, Etihad, Rwandair, Lufthansa, TAAG Angola Airlines, Air Namibia, and Royal Air Maroc.
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Out of the 10 airlines barred from flying into Nigeria, some like Air Namibia was barred because the country of origin of the airline has not resumed international flights or because there were was no COVID-19 Health Protocols yet for the country. The Aviation Minister gave the reason Airfrance and Lufthansa were not approved was that Swiss visa owners are not allowed entry and the same reason applied to KLM. The aviation minister also noted that passengers who fail to present a valid COVID-19 test or refuse to go for a repeat test may be placed on a travel watch list for six months. The Nigerian government had in August 2020 vowed to implement a reciprocity clause by banning flights and airlines from countries that had put similar bans on flights from Nigeria as nations open their airspace amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The aviation minister said only approved airlines will be allowed into the country’s airspace.
Approved Airlines In Nigeria
Some approved international airlines that have been given approvals to operate within the COVID-19 protocols in Nigeria include Middle-East, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Egyptair, Air Peace, Virgin Atlantic, Asky, Africa World Airways (AWA), Air Cote-d’Ivoire, Kenya Airways, Emirate, and Turkish airlines.
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Airlines permitted into the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja include British Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian, AWA, and Middle East Airlines while Egyptair, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish Airlines, AWA, Kenya Airways and Middle East Airlines airlines are allowed to operate at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Criteria used in approving or denying operation of the airlines include
- Foreign carrier operator permit: This is a requirement by the law
- Guidelines by COVID-19 Presidential Task Force
- Other guidelines including restrictions that came from other countries that will affect Nigeria operations in Nigeria.
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