Kano, a bustling city in northern Nigeria, has become a preferred destination for Ghanaian traders seeking affordable goods like clothing, spices, and laces. Attracting buyers with significantly lower prices compared to Togo, the market in Kano has become a popular choice for those looking to cut costs. However, recent complaints from traders about severe delivery delays are souring the experience, causing frustration for both sellers and their customers.
Mrs. Habiba Alhassan, a frequent buyer from Kano, voiced her concerns over the poor delivery service in an interview with The High Street Journal, noting the adverse impact it has on her business. “While Kano’s prices are much lower than Togo’s, the delivery time is a serious issue. In Togo, you can buy something on Thursday and get it by Saturday. But with Kano, you’re lucky to get your items after a month,” she explained. The long delays, she added, are affecting her ability to maintain quick turnovers, essential for keeping her business afloat.
Another frustrated trader, Sister Mariam, shared a similar experience. She purchased spices from Kano two weeks ago, yet her goods have still not arrived. “At first, the delivery driver said the items were at the border, but now, they don’t even pick up my calls,” she said. “I’ve invested all my money into these goods, and it’s putting my business in jeopardy.”
Sister Hummu also faced difficulties after purchasing bags from Kano. Her goods have yet to be delivered, despite being told that they were at the border. “Whenever I call, they tell me my items are at the border, but when you’re at the border, it shouldn’t take more than a day to reach Ghana,” she pointed out. “They even stopped picking my calls, and their phones were switched off, I guess to due to pressure from customers. It’s confusing.” When she finally got through to the driver, she was told that customs had seized their goods because illegal items, and other contraband, had been hidden among the legitimate cargo. “It’s affecting us because they should just seize those illegal goods and allow the innocent traders to have their items back. This delay is really cramping our businesses,” Sister Hummu added.
The delivery delays are attributed to a combination of factors, including a slowdown in market activity. Many drivers are now waiting until their vehicles are fully loaded before making the trip to Ghana, causing even longer wait times. Additionally, the need to cover agent fees and operational costs further exacerbates the delays. Another challenge is the frustration encountered at the borders. As a result, traders are left questioning whether the savings from buying goods in Kano are truly worth the extended delivery times.
Source:thehighstreetjournal.com