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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Travel / The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) (85930 Views)
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The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Gatess: 8:47am On Feb 24, 2023 |
THE UNDERRATED COTONOU Since I was born till date, we Nigerians have always looked down on a lot of neighboring countries like Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic etc. Well, you are not to be blamed if you are among those who look down on some of these countries, even when we have not had an opportunity to cross border. Well I was one of those people who actually looked down on most of these countries until I had an opportunity to sail round west Africa and the narratives changed. Meanwhile I was completely marvelled the first time I visited Cotonou, the business hub of Benin Republic about 4 years ago when Patrice Talon newly took office Two years after I re-visited, after touring round other west African countries. I spent 3 days here and without a waste of time, I concluded to relocate down to this place based on the level of development I saw, the security, serenity etc. Finally I am now living here and I have no regret so far. I will say this country is blessed with the best president who is working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of his beloved citizens and I am glad hearing citizens saying positive things about the president. Things You Don't Know About Benin Republic... *They have currently have one of the best roads/road network in west Africa * The maintain law and order * Security is good * Security personnels are friendly and don't intimidate anyone. If caught intimidating you, he or she will severely be punished " If you are caught in a robbery attack which involves gun, forget it, u are gun forever. * Electricity is 247. No low voltage or unecessarily interruptions. * Steady clean water supply by the government at an affordable rate * 247 transport system cos of good security * Night life is topnotch.. in fact their balling na night with street light almost every nook and cranny of the city. * Amazing beaches with super duper fun. * Nice Bilingual schools for your kids *Stress free movement without traffic jam. * Policemen scattered at every nook and cranny of the town to maintain law and order and not for stop and search. * Drugs are only bought or sold at a registered pharmacies and not from quacks or roadside vendors * Foreigners almost have same right with citizen and can't be treated anyhow *Women are like egg here. Any maltreatment or mistreatment, you will face the law. *Public school, go to sch by 7:30am and return home for break by 12noon and return back to school by 3pm to dismiss between 6-7pm Monday- Friday * You can choose to relocate from your rented apartment after a month or two cos of the privilege of monthly payment plan * Their money now more valuable than naira in black market *This is the only safe transit route coming from other African countries to Nigeria. Of course you should know how that helps an economy. *Internet is steady and fast but a bit expensive *Pepper body no common here like naija * ETC Business Opportunities From My Findings So Far... *Tailoring is a place to explore especially when you sew English wears and Nigerian attires * Sales of any kind of electronics which you can bring from Nigeria and Togo cos they are cheaper over there and expensive here. * Sales of second hand phones and laptops, not forgetting their accessories too. Very lucrative * Nigerian foods are in high demand especially areas where Nigerians live more. U go sell tire * Sales of sewing machines(more of manual)and it's accessories are in high demand cos this is their major skill work with hairdressing. * Phone and laptop repairs needs serious attention here cos most of the engineers are not competent enough * Sales of motor parts/bike parts. Both are very good biz here too. * Bilingual schools are still in high demand in some places including teachers. * Transportation biz- As a naija man, u will do better plying from border to town, if you are a smart. As an okada rider, concentrate around Tokpa, Misebo and Beach, you will be fine too. Those who are into okirika(2nd clothes, shoes & bags), it's still very profitable till date but you must have a good contact for you not to be cheated. Etc Let me drop my pen here for now. I will be sharing some photos of the places I have been to like the beaches etc . So stay tuned as we will be dropping more information to give you a comprehensive info about the country generally. 354 Likes 42 Shares
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Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by psucc(m): 8:56am On Feb 24, 2023 |
Na person still live there? Are they not Africans? Who curse Nigeria? 130 Likes 11 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Zaksart: 8:58am On Feb 24, 2023 |
Nigeria is a sinking country.... Before now I have been hearing about how many business men buy things in Nigeria and sell over there in Benin republic and making huge returns.... But because it's a french speaking country many people will look the other way or rather because it's a small country besides Nigeria that's why many Nigerians are underrating them. To be sincere many Nigerians are now seeing light at the other end, imagine a small country with everything you need ... Even if Peter Obi becomes president I still see myself leaving this country to somewhere I can enjoy simple basics amenities... Ordinary stability of electricity The Giant of Africa cannot boast of it. Tomorrow which is Nigeria presidential election will have many role to play as regards the future of this generation up coming... As for me and my up coming family I am done with Nigeria for good ... Would never allow my children go through the evil I went through here while growing up. Please if I may ask.... Can you elaborate more on how to get shops for business... Can you give us some pictures of other business over there .... Would love to see pictures Bro. 69 Likes 10 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by kunlesehan(m): 9:09am On Feb 24, 2023 |
Nice one OP Pls share pictures, thanks 30 Likes 7 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by dawnomike(m): 9:17am On Feb 24, 2023 |
Nice honest review... 14 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by KingofTheStreet: 9:44am On Feb 24, 2023 |
Born in Benin Republic.. Funnily, i can't stay in Nigeria for 2 days.. I prefer 🇧🇯.. High cost of living though. But money is there 129 Likes 9 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Zaksart: 9:54am On Feb 24, 2023 |
KingofTheStreet:. Please can you enlighten us on means of doing business that the OP didn't state ![]() ![]() 20 Likes 5 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by KingofTheStreet: 10:16am On Feb 24, 2023 |
Zaksart:i no sabi do all this explanation bro. Its hard advising one on which business to do, due to language barrier. If you want to do business, porto novo is OK 55 Likes 7 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Gatess: 11:35am On Feb 24, 2023 |
KingofTheStreet: Many who have come here find it difficult returning back to naija cos of stress free life and good organization of things. No open bribe by police or uniform personnels . In fact bribery is not in their blood at all. 144 Likes 8 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Gatess: 11:52am On Feb 24, 2023 |
Zaksart: Food is relatively cheap bro. At least some bags of foreign rice is below 20k cefa. 1kilo of garri is about 250-300 cefa. Tomato of 500 cefa can last u for a day for a family of four. Fish is cheaper here. Fruits like pineapple is extremely cheap, even orange 117 Likes 5 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by zx9651: 12:52pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
op stated facts. been living here for almost four years, initially came for a degree program which i have completed but i don’t wanna go back to naija. ![]() 253 Likes 12 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Valentineboy1: 2:26pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
zx9651: Please must I have international passport before I can.enter the country? And what is best route by land to follow 22 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by pansophist(m): 3:03pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
The price of arrogance is that you see past your shortcomings while others you look down upon grow even better. As someone that have been to Benin republic, I completely agree with the poster. Only that for Nigerians, abroad have to be when they live with white people. Of course you should move to the West, but if that's not attainable, then neighbouring countries ain't bad either. Ivory Coast is also a good one and even better than Benin. If your idea of a good life is good roads, security, safety, sane citizen and be contented with the basics of life, to run your business in peace, and can achieve Self-actualisation with hard work, then lots of countries within Africa offers that. 253 Likes 26 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by KingofTheStreet: 3:07pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
Gatess:i think when it comes to good policing, they are 99%. Talon the president is a no nonsense man, that's why they are afraid. I wish we have someone like him in Nigeria. Past looters for don japa 124 Likes 4 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Zaksart: 3:47pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
Not everyone will go to Europe... All we need is a sane environment with opportunities to make it. That's all a good man needs. 70 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by coolshegs1: 4:29pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
Seriously, my friend told me about this when he dropped out to continue his studies in Cotonou. I'm not surprised at all... 🥺 Please, regarding the internet connection: - how much do they cost? - do they last than the average "unlimited data" promised here? - and how beneficial is the place for someone who wants to work remotely? God bless you OP. 22 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by zx9651: 4:58pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
Valentineboy1:not really. there’s seme boarder and there’s also owode boarder, these are land routes and you can pay someone to get you through. 7 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Gate2: 5:21pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
coolshegs1: 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Hopez456(m): 5:21pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
Op is truly on point. I was raised and had my elementary education in Benin republic. The police, Genderm are professionals to the core. They rarely carry gun but just whistle, but with a blast, omo, you're done if at the wrong side of the law. Their water is metered, metered 24/7 electricity has been there as far back as 2002. Lovely and organized country i must confess. 155 Likes 6 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Gate2: 5:23pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
KingofTheStreet: 💯 Right 5 Likes |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Gate2: 5:26pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
Hopez456: You are truly on point. Police don't carry guys unecessarily but always standing and observing to make sure there is law and order. Most newly built roads built roads are European standards sincerely and I am impressed 81 Likes 8 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Gate2: 5:31pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
pansophist: Funny enough, The ivory coast you talked about is mainly dependent on agriculture. Their roads à re so sweet and their police and immigration are very good too. Many African countries have left us behind when it comes to good life and good governance. 195 Likes 15 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Gate2: 5:33pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
Valentineboy1: Voters iD or NiN. But if u have international passport better. Idiroko is best but kinda far depend of where u are coming from. Though seme is a bit calm and better lately 34 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Countersam(m): 5:55pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
Gatess: I grew up in Cotonou and I must confess you have known a whole lot in a short while. Patrice Talon is the President to remember over here. I am in Cotonou if you want to hook up... 57 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Hopez456(m): 6:02pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
Gate2:You're right , their roads are top notch. Street lighted, different lanes for motorcycles, bicycles and vehicles. The toll gate, entering Benin republic from Seme border is world class. I don't know if the standard is still maintained as i was last in Benin over 15 years ago. But mehn, i always relish my growing up experience in Benin republic. The local people are friendly as anything, i lived with many families while my dad was away. 51 Likes 4 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Starboytwo(m): 6:48pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
How many people are in bene republic again? If Nigeria was just like eg Ebonyi, small, maybe 5 million people, it will be very easy to govern. Don’t be comparing 5million people to 250 million people. Over 300 ethnic groups. Over 500 languages. Oboy, incomparable. 135 Likes 16 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by youngreva(m): 6:56pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
coolshegs1: |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by Gadafii: 7:39pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
No picture to back these up 4 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by psucc(m): 7:59pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
Starboytwo:You don bring this lame argument here? If you remove cows, how many comebbe the actual population of Nigeria? With so much enormous resources, fertile land, we cannot simply feed ourselves let alone providing the basic necessities of life. 207 Likes 15 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by techgen(m): 8:02pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
The mistake Nigeria made is simply the almagamation of north and south by that yeye Luaguard of a man... If not Niger Delta supposed be small London...Therefore, it's definitely insane to compare a population of 5million to 250million... Overall, Benin republic is doing well!!! 48 Likes 5 Shares |
Re: The Underrated Cotonou (benin Republic) by christianjoy(m): 8:15pm On Feb 24, 2023 |
Am gonna tour around Africa soon 18 Likes 2 Shares |
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