05/02/2023
This Time in Nigeria
This time is hard for many Nigerians as we discuss: no fuel, high cost of available fuel and no cash in the system.
The economy is driven much by availability of petroleum products.
A country with poor inter modal transport system with over dependence on the road transportation.
Most commodity distribution from the center to cities depends on the availability of petrol and diesel.
The absence of this, has placed huge cost on consumers who bear the entire cost.
While battling with high cost of items in the market, consumers are yet greeted with demonetization policy.
A good concept though but alien to Nigerians especially those living in suburbs and some in the urban settlement but perhaps refused to see this coming with all the changes in banking system.
I have recommended 10 safeguards for you:
1. If you do not have an ATM card, endeavor to get one now.
2. Internet banking is safe. Activate the two level passwording. Keep your details private to you. Greed is responsible for most internet frauds - keep yourself away from greed.
3. The modern trade (big supermarkets) can give you whole list of items to buy, including pepper, onion, vegetables etc, you can easily pay with your cards.
4. Nigerians spend so much in fuelling for their generators. Get portable solar lanterns. Some can power your televisions, fans.
5. All donations can be made through bank transfers, you do not need to spray money during occasions. Transfer the spraying.
6. Adopt car sharing - join your friends or neighbors to use one car instead of having many cars burning same expensive fuel on the roads.
7. Get a POS machine for your small business. Seek advise from your banker or financial advisor for affordable choices.
8. Avoid unnecessary journeys that can be substituted with telephone calls and video telephony. Just spend less.
9. Download your Bank App through play store. Pay bills through your bank apps.
10. Cash is the King. Guide it jealously.
This time affords us huge opportunity to adopt modern ways of doing business. New life style. It's never permanent.
The long queues at ATM machines, petrol stations, the extortions currently being experienced, yes we know, but this too shall pass.
Don't forget to vote wisely.
Lens
5-02-2023