"Intestinal computer self destruct in 10, 9, 8, 7..."

@ Da King,
I may not know much about you, but my question to you is, what do you know about Nigeria?? Is it what you read from the internet or have you been there physically. I don't make assumptions based on the internet because it can be very misleading as most of what we see on the internet are personal statements and judgements (note GaryT's inclusion of the transperency report). Transperency, by the way is a European (German I think) company and they rate countries based on what they perceive and not what they know. That was the same way Europeans perceived Africa as the "Dark" continent in the middle ages.

Also please note that Google's announcement came right after 2 investigations, and I reiterate, 2 investigations were made on the progress of the Nigerian economy by two different international companies (I can't recall their names). I don't want to label Google as evil because it is looking out for its' future by creating a niche market in Nigeria, even though internet has been in Nigeria for a while and is spreading rapidly to rural areas. I was there recently and I will tell you firsthand, there are youngsters who sit as we speak trying to defraud another greedy fool. They have 24-hour cybercafes while some people simply purchase a computer and use internet from home.

I will admit Nigeria is corrupt, but the same can be said about USA. USA is not as holy as it is made to sound. Once again, I don't condone the actions of these youngsters, but it is not their fault, there are barely any jobs for these graduates and it is better than picking up arms to kill each other.

Google going into Nigeria will only shed light into the fact that Nigeria is a lot safer than it is "perceived" to be and will improve the country's economy in the long run.

@ Scoobydoo aka Joxes aka Da King,
I feel sorry that you fell for the silly prank e-mails you received. Take it with good spirit, my dear, it will all be well. Next time you may want to avoid being GREEDY (that's what happened to the manager of the Brazilian bankrupt bank), and leave enough to feed the NEEDY.

imastr8man20@yahoo.com

@ Scoobydoo,
I understand what you are saying. However, the same happens here in America (yes I live in NYC very close to Engadget headquarters). I cannot remember clearly, but a company was sued last year for spamming e-mail boxes on AOL. Moreso, what about the Haliburton scam?? Quack doctors, and a countless number of crimes that occur here in NYC?? Do we forget about the ills of this country and label every other country out there evil??
I bet you, you probably have'nt set foot out of USA. I've been to UK, Italy and Nigeria. There's a lot to learn from Nigeria. These youngsters (they are in their 20's some in their teens) are mostly college graduates, who if given the opportunity to come to America, will be labeled as geniuses in an instant. If they can outfox people a world across with such stupid tales, what on Earth do you think they can't accomplish?
Nigeria is blessed with geniuses. The only problem is the economy and the batch of foolish leaders they have had in the past. There are very few jobs and getting into college is only afforded to the best fit or wealthy who easily buy their way through every facet of life in Nigeria. Let it also be known that by the end of this year, if all goes as planned, Nigeria will become a debt free nation with only net profits.

imastr8man20@yahoo.com

@ Matt,
You are a bigot. You may ask why I say this, well, the reason is because you have just labeled Nigeria as a fraudulent country.
I am very dissapointed at your choice of words. Instead of acclaiming their efforts, you come out publicly in front of the world and ridicule their well-meaning (even though it may not be, knowing that most capitalists are out for a profit) act.
This should also serve as a warning to everyone out there that has'nt heard about "Advance fee - fraud" a.k.a 419. Only a fool or a greedy person, and I repeat, only a FOOL or a GREEDY PERSON will fall for such shenanigans. If you see something that looks too good to be true, then be suspicious and report it to the authorities.
On another note, here is a song from a fellow Nigerian (Nkem Owoh -actor/engineer/comedian/musician) explaining the situation to you in a very funny but realistic song (in broken english a.k.a Nigerian Pidgin English) titled "I GO CHOP YOUR DOLLAR."

CLICK ON THE LINK:
http://www.naijajams.com/trax/video/osuofia_-_I_go_chop_your_dollar.mov

I hope you enjoy it. I am Nigerian by the way.

imastr8man20@yahoo.com