Konga, Nigeria’s foremost e-commerce giant, has announced a N10m intervention package
to cushion the effects of the dreaded coronavirus on its teeming customers. The fund, which
will be disbursed to Konga customers through vouchers, will go towards offsetting some of
the purchases made by customers during this period. In addition, Konga has also announced
free delivery for purchases made by customers.
This was disclosed in an email newsletter communicated to its customer network on
Thursday.
‘‘We know that many of our customers are experiencing uncertainties resulting from this
global outbreak. To help during this challenging time, we are offering N10m in vouchers to
support their purchases this season.’
‘‘Deliveries are now SUPER-SAFE FREE. We have equipped our last-mile delivery agents
and partners with gloves and face-masks. All our warehouses and delivery partners have
been trained on the best practices on hygiene and social distancing. On top of that, all
deliveries to you are now free and super-fast,’’ the statement read in part.
As a matter of fact, the newsletter had gone a long way in assuring customers of the
considerable structure and resources already put in place by the management of Konga to
support customers in the face of the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Among these
is the set-up of a COVID-19 response desk to handle enquiries and requests and the launch of
multiple partnerships to assure lowest prices for customers on products across categories.
Further, it enjoined customers to observe standard safety precautions; even as it reiterated
the confidence-inducing precautions available to protect shoppers.
‘‘This is the time to maintain social distance. If you prefer not to go out to shop, you can
safely find everything you need on Konga.com. We have sped up the ‘contactless’ operations
in order to reduce the use of cash. You can handle all your payment needs (airtime, internet,
utilities) via our KongaPay Platform.
‘‘A visit to our operation centers will see that safety precautions have already been put in
place. Whether you are working from home, social distancing, or fighting COVID-19, we
want to assist you to Stay Safe and Live Well’’. We will continue operating so you can
continue to use Konga.com as the safest shopping option in this challenging time. Take
sensible precautions and protect yourselves first and foremost. That is why we have launched
partnerships to get personal care products and other essentials to you at the lowest prices.
‘‘While the road ahead may appear to be a long one, we believe that we will be able to
overcome the difficulties by banding together, staying vigilant and showing up for each
other. We are with you for the long term and are committed to providing proactive,
responsive and real time support.’’
Indeed, Konga had received huge accolades from stakeholders in the e-commerce industry
for its high-level emergency readiness, which came to the fore with the spread of the dreaded
coronavirus outbreak to Nigeria. Weeks ago, Konga had already activated a comprehensive
preventive compliance system which drew widespread commendation.
Konga had not only instituted strict health checks for its staff including all customer-facing
personnel such as delivery men, store staff and others; it had also gone beyond this to set up
an internal feedback mechanism where all employees and management were regularly
updated on latest developments on the coronavirus scourge, what to do when ill and
preventive tips to keep them protected.
In addition, a high-alert was activated for all staff who regularly came into contact with
external customers and the public as they underwent special sessions and checks, solely as a
preventive measure. Furthermore, alcohol-based sanitizers were immediately installed at all
Konga offices, stores and pick-up locations nationwide while infra-red thermometers were
also deployed to screen staff and visitors to these locations.
The measures had seen Konga receive high praise from several quarters.