As Walmart enters, Nigerians may still be last to notice new, viable Nigeria

As Walmart enters, Nigerians may still be last to notice new, viable Nigeria

By Ken Okorie

Special to USAfrica multimedia networks, Houston & Abuja

“Another attendee was overheard telling the ambassador in a private conversation that the end result of WalMart Stores might be a situation whereby more foreign made products mostly from China will now be sold to Nigerians at cheaper prices–to which local Nigerian manufacturers will not be able to compete….”

It is reported that Walmart, the world’s leading retail giant, will soon open outlets in Lagos and Abuja.   This is reported to have been revealed by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Adefuye during a reason meeting of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) in Chicago, Illinois. What I quoted above is the reported reaction of the one of the attendees who was present at the vent and heard the news from the Ambassador.  I believe this reaction is the wrong one.

To my mind, Walmart going to NIgeria should be welcomed as a very positive message that the world is beginning to take Nigeria seriously and accept us as a viable, stable economy once again.  Nigeria used to enjoy such status.  We used to have Kingsway Stores, Kaycee Chellarams, Kewalarams, JT Chanrais and branches of other foreign department stores and stores.  Those are reminders of a Nigeria that was cherished by its citizens and respected by the world; a Nigeria that had lots of vibrance and promise.  That was before the war, and before military dictators and their fellow men in uniform messed the whole place up.

Besides Walmart does not open stores in every zip code, even in its native USA.

The argument that Walmart will put small mom and pop stores out of business is without merit.  At least that is my belief.   Nigerians are very enterprising, and will find creative ways to respond positively to the competition.  In Beijing, for instance, Walmart is a very busy place to visit, but the flood of small shops and stores has only multiplied since Walmart came to town in late 2005 or thereabouts.  I do not see how Walmart will make a dent on the entrepreneurial good sense of the typical trader in Aba, Onitsha or Alagba.  It simply will not happen.

Our people have the entrepreneurial zeal, what they lack is collaborative spirit.  I have two oversize shoes presented to me by my nephew who made shoes in Otu Market Onitsha before he died abruptly some 7 years ago.  I cannot wear them because they are too big for me, but from time to time, I take them out and look them over simply to admire what the Nigerian can do.  Trust me when I say that those two shoes can compete with any quality product out of Italy.  And the intriguing thing about it is that my nephew did not own a machine of his own.

The whole thing was mostly crafted by hand and the sewing on rented time from neighbor’s machines; so he told me.  If our shoe makers in Onitsha or Aba would join to invest in appropriate equipment and machinery that can simplify some of their processes, they can easily become serious competitors to the reputed outlets in Milan and Paris.  Our people have what it takes, but  lack the open mind and selfless spirit needed to bolster individual capabilities through synery.

I cite another example.  In Beijing, where I am fairly familiar with how organized entrepreneurship can work more productively.  There are several shops that offer custom made suits and other cloting.  You can select from materials in stock or samples.  They will even take you to the apparel materials shop if you are discriminating or insistent on variety, and your taste is not easily met. But none of these shops sews its own clothes.  There are sewing shops who do nothing but sew.  You as a custom can’t see them, and don’t even know where they are, but they make your custom shirt or suit, any style, fitting or sophistication.  They are the ultimate copy cats you will find anywhere.  If our tailors borrowed this idea whereby every individual is not struggling with ordering the materials, finding clients, measuring the clothes and sewing them. their productivity would be multiplied, and so would their expertise in particular aspects of the business.   They would also be able to invest in larger and more efficient equipment.

In November 2011, Continental Airline (now merged with United) will become the second or third major US carrier to provide regularly scheduled flights to Nigeria.  And that is good for business.  British Airways, KLM and the others who have dominated the Nigerian route and exploited Nigerian citizens for centuries  felt some pressure when Delta began flying to Lagos few years back.  Anyone who has tasted the convenience of avoiding the hassles of European gateways and being able to leave Lagos at  night and be able to have breakfast with your children in Houston at 8 am the next morning hardly wants to return to  the old, tedious routine.

For me, the Walmart entry adds to the echo that something positive is happening about Nigeria.  Our people may still be too skeptical to see it, but the outside world appears to be noticing it.                                                                                                                                                  •Okorie, an attorney and business adviser, is a member of the editorial board of USAfrica multimedia networks –and our columnist since 1994.