Last week, a landmark partnership deal was struck between top Nigerian eCommerce player Konga.com and the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) allowing Konga leverage NIPOST post offices and pick-up centers in order to expedite deliveries. The deal was unveiled at an event held in the NIPOST branch office within the premises of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The UNILAG collection centre is the first in a series of collaborations by the two parties to address logistics and delivery issues experienced by e-commerce operators in Nigeria including a shortage of secure and convenient pick up points for deliveries as well as return of less-than-optimal products.
A number of dignitaries were present at the unveiling, these included top officials from both organizations and a few government officials. Wale Adisa, Chief Commercial Officer for Konga, disclosed the desire of his organization to remain at the frontline of trade and commerce in Nigeria by continuously pushing new strategies periodically.
This was clearly demonstrated last year when the online retailer introduced the Konga Marketplace, a service that allows entrepreneurs, manufacturers and business owners sell their products online via Konga’s platforms and distribution channels. As of now, more than 10,000 traders have registered to use the marketplace and revenues jumped up by 450 percent between 2013 and 2014. The retailer also set up KExpress, its private logistic company, last year still in a bid to enhance delivery.
By leveraging the 5,000 NIPOST locations across Nigeria, he believes customers would have more options to choose from, translating into add convenience.
Commenting on the development, the Nigerian Minister of Communication Technology, Dr Omobola Johnson emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming NIPOST into a viable, socially conscious yet profit-orientated entity.
“The first Post office in Nigeria was established over 160 years ago and NIPOST has been fulfilling its mandate of providing universal access to postal services ever since. Furthermore, the Post office has grown to become the most extensive retail network in Nigeria. It is only logical that the e-commerce industry leverage the experience and facilities of NIPOST to provide secure and more convenient services to their customers,” she said.
In addition to improving service delivery, this partnership is a competitive move that will set the pace for a whole new set of imperatives for the eCommerce industry in Nigeria.
