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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Rozanne
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    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.