
Are you stepping into Nigeria’s market? It’s crucial to heed this cautionary tale – a real-life experience that highlights the importance of being extra vigilant. In a quest to fulfill a long-awaited dream of owning a phone, the journey took an unexpected turn.
Back in my secondary school days, I saved up diligently for a second-hand Symbian phone. Finally, with savings amounting to 8k, I ventured to Suru Alaba to turn that dream into reality. Amidst a collection of assorted phones, one model boasting a 41-megapixel camera caught my eye. Negotiations brought the price to my entire savings of 8k.
Excitement turned to disappointment upon reaching home. The phone’s battery needed charging, and with no USB charger, a desktop charger was the makeshift solution. Rushing to show off my new possession during a church vigil, I discovered a baffling reality. The phone’s loudspeaker echoed like a public announcement system, and the Nokia phone revealed itself to be an M-horse model, not the promised brand.
Further mishaps ensued – the battery drained quickly despite a lengthy charge, the phone confused earphones for a charger, and the touted 41-megapixel camera delivered disappointingly blurry images. Determined to return the ‘disgrace of a phone,’ I revisited the seller at Suru Alaba, only to find him selling stock and denying any involvement in phone sales.
In an emotional moment, offered two stock fishes in exchange for the faulty device, I considered the offer. However, weighing the phone’s potential for basic communication, I opted to keep it – begrudgingly.
This ordeal underscores a crucial lesson for anyone entering Nigerian markets: be hyper-vigilant. Ensure all your senses are alert to avoid falling victim to misleading offers or deceitful sellers. Don’t let a Nokia M-horse mishap be your introduction to the Nigerian market.
Remember, in Nigeria’s markets, activate not just your five senses but your sixth sense too, to navigate the hustle and bustle with caution and clarity.