Hmmn! Brilliant analysis, meaning the solution of Nigeria lies in the hands of Nigeria government.

diordaves:


If we, Nigerians don't invest first in the country, it is foolhardy to expect foreign investors to troop in droves. Nigeria is a big market but not economically bouyant. The average personal income (purchasing power) is low.

When it comes to the internal investment climate with regards to uncertainty, there's only one 'thing' that is holding the nation down: EXCHANGE RATE POLICY.

Not kidnappers, not corrupt politicians, not bad roads, not adequate power supply, not lack of fiber optic ( broadband). These are the symptoms of lack of internal investment. The cause of our ailment is the poor and incompetent management of the Naira rate against international currencies - the Naira rate to the Dollar. This started from the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP).

I will give you a very practical and familiar example - myself. I'm in the Diaspora investing in Nigeria so I am a foreign investor. Abi no be so.

Now (For example) I have a property with long term tenants that gives me N5 mil per annum in rent. During President Goodluck Jonathan's regime, the average Naira exchange rate to the GBP was stable at N300. Then, I repatriate £16,000 per annum back to Britain from rental income.

As I type, the Naira to Pound rate is 600. So now I repatriate £8,000 from the same investment. That's about half of my income gone into thin air for no practical or business management reasons. Just government incompetence that I have no control over. Absolutely nothing I can do other than to increase rent. If I do this, the tenants (traders) will transfer the increase into the price of their products and poverty is let loose over the country. This is the situation we are in since SAP.

Now you can see if I were a property foreign investor like for example airline company (Virgin Nigeria), Dunlop, Bata, A.G Leventis, Layland, Volkswagen, Peugeot etc that are mandated to repatriate funds home for their shareholders overseas, what do you think they will do? With a dwindling income not from lack of trading but from the inability of the government to stabilize the exchange rate, they will do what they did - close shop and unleash unemployment. This is what is happening in Nigeria. The foreign exchange regime or lack of foreign exchange regime is killing Nigeria slowly but surely.

Any administration that can stabilize the exchange rate for two terms, Nigeria will be better. Nigeria's biggest problem is not corruption, but lack good governance and competent institutional managers of the polity (economy).

dongc:
Sounds fantastic on paper...until reality hits hard...was born in trucking business...something i grew up before I packed my bags for greener pastures elsewhere...still ongoing in family although now company haulage only..
Until they need engine rebuild....get into accident/s...hit someone....rainy season which are normally off peak periods... falls off ditch.....there are quite alot unfortunate circumstances which comes with all business...biggest hurdles are Government policies can change any day without any consultation.....

Classic! Business is taking risk anyway. With those bad roads, lack of better insurance cover and working condition, transportation/haulage business are triple risk.

InvertedHammer:

/
There are bound to be exceptions. That’s why I said “most people”. Your calculations are enticing...until an investor buys a truck. Then stories go enter am.

/

I concur.

You are doing well Sir...
Looking forward for your patronage too , pls check my signature for more details and enquiry.

Dijita:


Thank you and God bless.
My kobo kobo project is been handle by my sister and the husband who is a supplier. Thanks to this site and the professionals here I am educated and get help in cutting down on price quotations. Unlike in the beginning of the project where I was been told the price of things which I later discover to be way higher than stated, now I just quote the price I got from here and told them that if there supplier can't meet the price I will call my own guy to deliver at this price. I will then add extra money for effort. In this particular instance here I added 30k .
Just in case some people are wondering, I am not just taking I patronize people here as well. I got my architect from here and have done about#300,000 business with him. I hope to patronize others in the future

A competent structural engineer is needed asap!

jajeri3216:
Hello house , there's a crack on the wall which is causing me corncerns.

Is this crack suggesting structural issues?

Pls what are the drawings required for approval(Lagos)?

uncleteeh:
Good Morning To All and Sundry.
Happy Sunday.
OAK Group wishes you a prosperous week.
We remain ur plug to excellent architectural designs.
08108408732

So true!

Xtopher123:
You all asking for Price and Quantity of Materials in here, do you guys know there's something called a Quantity Surveyor?

Nigerians like shortcut and they usually get burnt for it.

In the Project design and Delivery phase there's something called a QS (Quantity Surveyor) who should produce an unpriced Bill of Quantities together with the Architect and the Client. That's what will be given to the contractor to Price and come up with a Cost of Construction either by bidding or by appointment.

Nigerians LEARN to use the right professionals and pay for their services. It'll save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

Abolarin91:
Pls what are the drawings required for approval(Lagos)?

It depends on the size of building, the higher the more drawings required. as the last time I checked, survey plan and arch drawing for a bungalow, survey plan, arch, structural drawing for a storey building and anything beyond this, it will require M and E drawing too

Come home

AngelicBeing:
Hian, come home and sweat it, mba, I am ok here on Mount Everest where I currently reside on top of the highest Mountain in the world, let me continue with my fresh fish pepper soup ontop this mountain with the snow and angel's that visit me daily, Lol but I agree with your post though

He ask just a simple question base on his own observation, let's be calming down pls.

jaytime:

This is not my project. I'm into Decoration, not building Engineering.
But I see no reason why you would just look at a single picture of a room (roof for that matter) and just conclude that they've not done electrical piping.
FYI they've done piping in there, it's only cables they haven't run yet. Discrediting anything just because it relates to one's area of expertise is not the best way to sell one's self.

Temi1:
Hello Builders,

I have an ongoing project in Arepo ready for decking. I need a competent engineer to handle the decking. Also what would be the costs / quantities of materials needed to do the decking?

If you are looking for an Engineer, then make sure it is an Engineer you give your job to.
Dont give the job of a Building Engineer/ Competent Builder, to a Painter, or Architect or Carpenter or Welder, except [/b]you are just looking for a someone to [b]oversee the pouring because you wont be around.

A COMPETENT Engineer or Builder is a Certified COREN Engineer or Certified Builder.
Dont be scammed by all these emergency builders claiming to be Engineers.
Caveat Emptor or Buyers Beware.
We cant settle fight again.

PS: by now we should all know that when you ask for cost and quantities of material for a large build, the best we can give you is A GUESS, if you really want a detailed and accurate figure for cost and materials required, you need to holla at the QSfemi or any other QS in the house.
if it is just for small measurement, we can give you a good estimate and it will help you have an idea whether that Contractor is telling you the truth or trying to reap you off.

In an estate(with layout), is survey plan required?

SurveyorGeo:


It depends on the size of building, the higher the more drawings required. as the last time I checked, survey plan and arch drawing for a bungalow, survey plan, arch, structural drawing for a storey building and anything beyond this, it will require M and E drawing too

KolaShangOne:


He's not lying.

For a standard job, complete with columns, yes you will need to to that.

The laterite filling and DPC alone will cost about 450 - 550k.

The land is STONY = > He will not be doing Raft foundation, just blockworks supported by short Columns to the DPC
Is it possible that such blockworks will gulp the remaining #700K, just to DPC level? (even if we go by your figure above?)
or is it that l dont understand what you mean by 'standard job"?

#Just wondering.

Xtopher123:
You all asking for Price and Quantity of Materials in here, do you guys know there's something called a Quantity Surveyor?

Nigerians like shortcut and they usually get burnt for it.

In the Project design and Delivery phase there's something called a QS (Quantity Surveyor) who should produce an unpriced Bill of Quantities together with the Architect and the Client. That's what will be given to the contractor to Price and come up with a Cost of Construction either by bidding or by appointment.

Nigerians LEARN to use the right professionals and pay for their services. It'll save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

But we have a QS on this thread and people have been using his service.
If you are one, make yourself known, dont start yabbing us here because we are kobokobo builders.

Chekitaut:
Repatriating
I will speak from my business(Trucking) point of view. Not all businesses fail in this accept.
Take for example you invest:
Brand new truck @$54,800(including clearing)
Monthly return after running cost is ₦1.4m equivalent is $2,979
In 1year $2,979x12months= $35,748
In 2years $35,748x24months= $71,496
Therefore in 2years you repatriate $16,696, whiie you have actually recoup your investment another 1year you repatriate $35,748.
Making a total of $52,444 in 3years

For used Truck
@$31,255(including clearing)
Monthly return after running cost is ₦1.2m equivalent is $2,553
In 1year $2,553x12months= $30,638
In 2years $30,638x24months= $61,276
Therefore in 2years you will repatriate $30,021

NB. Breakdown was done with ₦470 to $1

Chekitaut, a used Truck will still last some five years overseas but in Nigeria, with our bad roads (ponds sometimes), with SARS, Police, Custom, FRSC, LASTMA all on the Road, not to mention fake spare-parts, that Truck will take the grace of God to last One Year on the Road in Nigeria.
I see most of them abandoned, unrepairable or impounded by 'Roger officials'

Nigeria is a very toxic place for investment. Go and check countries like Botswana, investment go sweet you die.

Abolarin91:
I always wonder whenever I see old people age range 50-70yrs living happily in this Nigeria, I feel like "how do they manage to make it work"!

At times, they have no choice moreover, "Old habits, die hard".
At what age do you want them to start running abroad and start hustling to settle down (which takes time, even if you win the Visa Lottery), then there is the issue of 'Wife turning to Husband' in London and America, something Old people will not find it easy to adjust to, if at all they want to adjust to it
When you are young (under 35yrs), one has the freedom to do it , make mistakes and do it all over again, but anything after 40yrs, na to dey tread jejely. That is where the HAPPINESS comes from

Long and Short, Small Garri and Groundnut with Peace of Mind, is better than McDonald Chicken with High Blood Pressure, if not Prison

Edit: If you hammer Govt money, Nigeria is one of the best place to lavish money and live a high tension but enjoyable lifestyle.

Abolarin91:
In an estate(with layout), is survey plan required?

Survey plan is fundamental, you either get it from the estate management/company or you get it done. Without the survey plan you can't get started.

Abolarin91:
Come home

Hmmmm

Abolarin91:
Hmmn! Brilliant analysis, meaning the solution of Nigeria lies in the hands of Nigeria government.

Who is government?

I think the word ‘government’ needs a new definition though.
As for me, government is a group of people ‘elected’ or ‘non-elected’ governing an organized community (a state or other entities). Government is important to the existence of civilized society.

It’s not just about state, local councils or country alone. It starts from every home.

For example, Nairaland property (the largest property forum in West and Central Africa) has no governing council We only have few set of people who react when issues come up.
Whenever there’s a coming together of people to live or coexist in a community, there’s a need to form a body (government) which will handle the administration of the such community.

Anarchy/confusion will always reign in any state/society/forum that exist without a government.

Before we talk about those who lord over our country (Nigeria) and commonwealth, let us ask ourselves “After over a decade of existence, are we managing Nairaland property section the right way or just passing the buck?”

This is a much wider meaning to "government" than the ruling political force. It starts with you and me.


_______

One4me:


The land is STONY = > He will not be doing Raft foundation, just blockworks supported by short Columns to the DPC
Is it possible that such blockworks will gulp the remaining #700K, just to DPC level? (even if we go by your figure above?)
or is it that l dont understand what you mean by 'standard job"?

#Just wondering.

Lets assume.

Land clearing - 10,000
Setting out (lines, pegs, profiles, labour) - 30,000
Excavation (stony land) including column bases- 50,000

Blinding -
Granite 20t - 100,000
Sand 20t - 35,000
Cement (12 - 15 bags) 45,000

Iron works 14columns - 12mm mat (1m x 1m) , 12mm columns will require;
21L of 12mm @2900 = 60,900 + 5000 transport
6L of10mm stirrups @2100 = 12,600
B/wire - 9,000
Labour - 15,000

Carpentary - Provisional sum of 30,000 + 10,000 labour

Blockwork
1000** pcs of block - (here its 220) - 220,000
Cement 20 - 60,000
Labour block setting - 60,000

Casting short columns
10t sand, 4-5bags, Granite (remaining), labour - 10,000 = 42,000.

Water for the works - 10,000

This total should be well over 700,000.

I just gave a tentative cost. Some will spend more, some will spend alot less.

KolaShangOne:


Lets assume.

Land clearing - 10,000
Setting out (lines, pegs, profiles, labour) - 30,000
Excavation (stony land) including column bases- 50,000

Blinding -
Granite 20t - 100,000
Sand 20t - 35,000
Cement (12 - 15 bags) 45,000

Iron works 14columns - 12mm mat (1m x 1m) , 12mm columns will require;
21L of 12mm @2900 = 60,900 + 5000 transport
6L of10mm stirrups @2100 = 12,600
B/wire - 9,000
Labour - 15,000

Carpentary - Provisional sum of 30,000 + 10,000 labour

Blockwork
1000** pcs of block - (here its 220) - 220,000
Cement 20 - 60,000
Labour block setting - 60,000

Casting short columns
10t sand, 4-5bags, Granite (remaining), labour - 10,000 = 42,000.

Water for the works - 10,000

This total should be well over 700,000.

I just gave a tentative cost. Some will spend more, some will spend alot less.

No comment.

Thanks for the breakdown. Always remember, it’s not a ‘bibeli’

dongc:
Sounds fantastic on paper...until reality hits hard... was born in trucking business...something i grew up before I packed my bags for greener pastures elsewhere...still ongoing in family although now company haulage only..
Until they need engine rebuild....get into accident/s...hit someone....rainy season which are normally off peak periods... falls off ditch.....there are quite alot unfortunate circumstances which comes with all business...biggest hurdles are Government policies can change any day without any consultation.....

As we talk about the mouth-watering opportunities, let’s not forget to talk about the huge losses.

I can never forget how a N9k side-hustle by my driver took over 850k on repairs from me.
I also can’t forget when a friend’s truck climbed over 5 cars.
Need I mention how ‘Awoyaya boys’ stole my battery and diesel when the truck had a breakdown.
How can I ever forget my experience Lekki County the truck plunge the community into darkness after it brought down an electricity pole

The odds are just too many The possibility of failure is a sure bet.

gbadexy:


cc: dominionng.

Thanks for the mention boss.

topsy23:


Cc: Dominion

Thanks for the mention boss

One4me:



If it is 'a share' they are after, maybe that can be arraigned but you will be shocked to hear that the moment you start your Refuse Management Company, one 'Big Man Politician' from somewhere will suddenly realise you are making money from it and then decide to use his children or a front to setup a sham Refuse management Company and INSIST that ONLY THAT COMPANY can do refuse Management Business in that state, and your Company is ruined.

I have seen things like this happen a lot, let me share my own experience.
I once submitted a complete, packaged and fully funded proposal to Govt, the DG said Govt is not ready because there is no fund, three months down the line, l saw another company doing exactly the same project but like an amateur (infact, you could easily see that they dont have the knowledge at all) and when l checked their Registration details at CAC, l saw that the company was registered about three weeks after l met the DG of the Govt Agency, with my proposals and when l dug further, l realised it was the same Agency that was sponsoring the Project. That really got me annoyed and l went to do further search on the Project Manager, found out that it was the Cousin of the DG who is not even a graduate nor knowledgeable in that field.
Long story, cut short, l petitioned and wanted to go to Court but my Lawyer, after contact with their legal dept, made it clear to me that under our laws, the Agency has the right to determine who it gave jobs to and when it initiates any contract and that since l dont have a 'Patent' over the technology, l cannot claim that no one else can implement it!
But in essence, the DG stole my project, gave it to his Cousin to implement at over ten times what it would have ordinarily cost and TODAY, the project is dead and money is gone. By the way, Armed Robbers came knocking on my door for the first and only time in my life, around that period but they did not steal anything, just fired shots into the house and left. Friends told me it was a "warning shot" from those l am dragging issues with.
I just gave up on Nigeria, its not worth dying for. Too violent, too dangerous and too risky for normal humanbeings.

This happened to someone very close and it shaped my decision about not doing any outlandish business in Nigeria that’ll involve government or banks.

They stole his ideas but the project is a failure due to their ineptitude. Or failure was engineered into it from the start.

Dijita:


Thank you and God bless.
My kobo kobo project is been handle by my sister and the husband who is a supplier. Thanks to this site and the professionals here I am educated and get help in cutting down on price quotations. Unlike in the beginning of the project where I was been told the price of things which I later discover to be way higher than stated, now I just quote the price I got from here and told them that if there supplier can't meet the price I will call my own guy to deliver at this price. I will then add extra money for effort. In this particular instance here I added 30k .
Just in case some people are wondering, I am not just taking I patronize people here as well. I got my architect from here and have done about#300,000 business with him. I hope to patronize others in the future

Hey, what happened in 1979 has been repeated

Abolarin91:
I always wonder whenever I see old people age range 50-70yrs living happily in this Nigeria, I feel like "how do they manage to make it work"!

“I” fit in the demographic and make it work by setting realistic expectations.

No electricity - solar plus gen.
No pipe borne water - borehole.
No security - various schemes.
No good roads - SUV.

I’m not surviving in Nigeria. I’m thriving. Al-ḥamdu l-illāhi rabbi l-ʿālamīn

Well, alhamdulillah...only small percentage of people living in Nigeria can afford all this alternative or people that have spent over 30yrs abroad like you! May God make it easy for everyone of us. Don't forget 30 minimum wages has not been paid to most workers

EgunMogaji2:


“I” fit in the demographic and make it work by setting realistic expectations.

No electricity - solar plus gen.
No pipe borne water - borehole.
No security - various schemes.
No good roads - SUV.

I’m not surviving in Nigeria. I’m thriving. Al-ḥamdu l-illāhi rabbi l-ʿālamīn

EgunMogaji2:


“I” fit in the demographic and make it work by setting realistic expectations.

No electricity - solar plus gen.
No pipe borne water - borehole.
No security - various schemes.
No good roads - SUV.

I’m not surviving in Nigeria. I’m thriving. Al-ḥamdu l-illāhi rabbi l-ʿālamīn

In Nigeria, every man is a republic.

Living a good life, setting standards and making it work against all odds is hard. Living on false hopes from the government in power is harder. Choose your hard.

100% correct, I Concord!

n3xt:


Who is government?

I think the word ‘government’ needs a new definition though.
As for me, government is a group of people ‘elected’ or ‘non-elected’ governing an organized community (a state or other entities). Government is important to the existence of civilized society.

It’s not just about state, local councils or country alone. It starts from every home.

For example, Nairaland property (the largest property forum in West and Central Africa) has no governing council We only have few set of people who react when issues come up.
Whenever there’s a coming together of people to live or coexist in a community, there’s a need to form a body (government) which will handle the administration of the such community.

Anarchy/confusion will always reign in any state/society/forum that exist without a government.

Before we talk about those who lord over our country (Nigeria) and commonwealth, let us ask ourselves “After over a decade of existence, are we managing Nairaland property section the right way or just passing the buck?”

This is a much wider meaning to "government" than the ruling political force. It starts with you and me.


_______

It not a lie ma. Bring your ears let me tell you something "I am trying to run out of this country too"(nobody is hearing this conversation at all! . Come home oo, Nigeria is now better, 1 bag of cement is now #750 and rice is #4000/bag...

AngelicBeing:
Hmmmm

OK, thank you sir. Was thinking its not necessary bwfore

SurveyorGeo:


Survey plan is fundamental, you either get it from the estate management/company or you get it done. Without the survey plan you can't get started.