Dan
Nigeria is not alone in the regards of iffy maintenance. We even have
it here in the USA to a lesser degree. Haing flown in many countries,
I've seen some superb maintanance and some that was non-existent except
in the paperwork. No different here!?
Unfortunately, Nigeria is one of the worst and one of the most corrupt
countries in the world. Perhaps Zimbabwe is pushing for the title
against others in Africa and Europe and So America.
As I have seen it, pilot performance is questionable in many countries
that are regarded as "third world". Many of them are not capable of
opening the gate to the ramp let alone fly an airplane safely. And, I
have flown or trained some who were superlative but they are certainly
in the minority. I had a class of pilots from Nigeria, and Niger who
were not impressive overall. Of the class of 8, there were 2 who I
would classify as pilots after training. Yet they will return to their
homes and be classified as qualified Captains for whatever they end up
flying. It is no wonder the fatal acident rate is so high.
Ol Shy & Bashful