SUPPLY CHAIN

New automated safe locker network a boost for Nigerian e-commerce

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2024

Nigeria’s last-mile distribution problems have long hampered customer deliveries. New high-tech lockers may help solve that.

Fez Delivery, a Nigerian-based logistics business specialising in last-mile delivery to consumers, has launched a network of high-tech lockers that it says will provide a cost-effective and secure delivery solution.

The lockers are being sited in safe, high-footfall areas such as service stations. For a price of 999 naira (around US$1.15), businesses and individuals can send and receive parcels in Lagos and, in future, in other key locations.

Photo supplied

This service will be of particular benefit to e-commerce businesses and their customers, given that efficient last-mile delivery to online shoppers is often problematic in Nigeria.

“Despite e-commerce growth, last-mile logistics is plagued with problems like poor infrastructure and road networks, regulatory issues, and untrustworthy logistics providers,” explains the publication TechCabal.

“These problems make it difficult for businesses to fully take advantage of the opportunities in e-commerce.”

Now a Nigerian online vendor – on Instagram or TikTok, for example – can fulfil an urgent same-day order by dropping the order at a Fez locker, which the customer can retrieve at their convenience by using a one-time OTP password to open the locker. Fez says additional security is provided at the locker locations by CCTV, which is monitored in real time.

A delivery ecosystem that benefits everyone

“Our lockers are more than just lockers; they’re an investment in Nigeria’s future. By modernising logistics and promoting sustainability, we’re building a delivery ecosystem that benefits everyone,” states Seun Alley, CEO and co-founder of Fez Delivery.

“We’re redefining last-mile delivery – putting convenience, security, and efficiency at the heart of every interaction.

“By seamlessly connecting to the internet, these lockers empower our customers with 24-hour access, transforming the delivery experience into one that aligns with the pace of our connected world.”

Earlier this month, Fez launched its locker network in Nigeria during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Ardova filling station on Admiralty Way in Lagos. This is one of three current locations in the city.

The ‘Future of Commerce – 2023 Trends Report’, compiled by TechCabal, estimates that Nigeria has 90.9-million e-commerce users, and predicts that total e-commerce customers in Africa will surpass 500-million by 2025.

Automated lockers are already a feature of last-mile delivery in countries such as South Africa, Ghana and Kenya. But up until now they have not been a part of the Nigerian supply chain landscape.

According to Trendtype, the London-based emerging markets consultancy, Fez Delivery was founded in 2020 as a last-mile delivery platform. In March 2023 it secured seed funding of US$1-million. In November 2023 it launched a UK delivery hub and a fleet of electric delivery bikes.

Pre-conference masterclass discusses taking African brands to the world

Participants challenged to identify, articulate and commercialise the cultural assets that make their brand ready for a global audience.

Three people stand side by side in front of a sports direct backdrop the woman in the middle holds a blue and orange 'sports direct' sign

Africa’s first Sports Direct retail store opens its doors in Nairobi

Second outlet planned for Nairobi before year end, with Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco said to be future target markets.

Person wearing a beige sweater holds a phone with a translucent search bar reading 'search' and microphonecamera icons in the foreground

Search is fragmenting – credibility and trust create the new visibility

Online search behaviour has changed significantly with the rise of AI. How can African brands adapt to this new marketing landscape?

Person shopping at a deli counter holding an orange shopping basket in a cheese section of a supermarket

The move toward future-ready food packaging where materials meet AI

Researchers propose a framework for packaging that senses, learns and acts – making packaging an active, AI-powered tool against food waste.

Conference stage with a woman in a patterned dress speaking to an audience large screens display '' logos and banners for a marketers conference with 'institute of marketing in malawi' branding on stage panels and backdrop

Malawi’s marketers urged to put trust at the heart of the profession

Country needs marketers to build recognition and consumer trust around Malawian products and national brand, says Deputy Minister.

Lingerie brand creates street-stopping advertising in Manhattan

Fashion brand suspends giant lingerie high above the city’s streets, using shadows to create a moving billboard for pedestrians and motorists.

We know AI influencers aren’t real – so why do we trust them?

Researchers describe AI influencers as having a ‘dual identity’. Consumers evaluate both ‘person’ and ‘technology’ identities at once.

Hotel receptionist assisting a guest at the check in counter with a gray suitcase nearby behind the desk

Why trust has become a critical asset for hotel industry marketers

Reputation and trust, once modest influences on hotel choice, have become some of the strongest predictors of patronage, study finds.

Three people in formal attire pose for a photo at an awards event a woman in a pink dress holds a trophy while two men in suits stand beside her against a gold confetti backdrop

FNB bank’s eBucks programme dominates the 2026 SA loyalty awards

South African brands are increasingly setting the global benchmark for customer loyalty strategies, organisers say.

Portrait of a man with short black hair and a beard wearing a black button down shirt against a light gray background

Zambia’s strongest creative ideas are emerging from local truths

Global influences among younger consumers are still present, but they are being filtered through a distinctly Zambian lens.

Yellow humanoid robot at a bakery counter inspecting a display of donuts on display in front of glass cases

Consumers have doubts about products when they’re designed by AI

Researchers find that lack of perceived ‘genuine care’ is the mechanism connecting AI involvement to lower trust ratings.