Jiji, Africa’s online marketplace, has been awarded the prestigious title of “Best Retail Organization in Range Excellence” at the Africa Retail Awards 2024.

The event was hosted by the Africa Retail Academy and Lagos Business School – Pan Atlantic University in partnership with Nairametrics and KPMG.

This accolade highlights Jiji’s exceptional dedication to delivering a wide and diverse product range that meets the needs of millions of buyers and sellers across Nigeria.

The recognition comes as the organisation gears up for its biggest sales event of the year – Black Friday 2024. With the award highlighting the organisation’s vast product offerings, this year’s Black Friday campaign promises to be the most exciting yet for shoppers seeking unbeatable deals across various categories.

Statistics by the National Retail Federation predicts that holiday spending will grow 2.5-3.5% YoY this 2024, reaching around $985 billion, while online shopping is expected to increase 8-9% YoY by end 2024, reaching around $296 billion in sales.

What’s the deal this Black Friday?

To celebrate its win and further demonstrate commitment to Nigerian consumers, Jiji is launching a Black Friday campaign featuring jaw-dropping discounts of up to 85% across its product categories.

Starting from today until November 29, 2024, shoppers can take advantage of significant savings on everything listed on Jiji from smartphones and electronics to fashion, furniture, and beauty products.

“We’re honoured to receive the ‘Best Retail Organization in Range Excellence’ award. This recognition reflects our dedication to offering an expansive selection of products that cater to diverse consumer needs,” – Majolie Obaje, Regional head of PR & Marketing, Jiji

“As we kick off our Black Friday campaign, we’re excited to give our customers access to incredible deals across over 15 categories. We remain committed to promoting the power to bargain, affordability, and convenience for our 12m+ users on Jiji. Customers all over Nigeria are set to save big while they get more value for their money.” – Majolie Obaje, Regional head of PR & Marketing, Jiji

What should shoppers expect?

Jiji has teamed up with verified top sellers to bring exclusive offers, providing a wide range of discounted items across categories including popular ones like:

Phones & Tablets: Buyers can explore incredible prices on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles. Verified sellers are offering discounts of up to 85%, making it the perfect time to upgrade tech devices for less.

Fashion: Shoppers looking to revamp their wardrobes will find unbeatable deals on outfits, shoes, and accessories. Jiji’s fashion category offers everything from trendy streetwear to luxury items at fantastic discounts.

Home, Appliances & Furniture: Customers can elevate their living spaces with affordable furniture, home appliances, and air conditioners, all available at up to 85% off. It’s a prime opportunity for families to enhance their homes at pocket-friendly prices.

Health & Beauty: Luxurious fragrances, skincare products, and makeup essentials are all on sale, with significant markdowns that make it easy for beauty enthusiasts to grab their favourite items without breaking the bank.

Exclusive Black Friday shopping tips for buyers?

To ensure customers get the best out of this year’s Black Friday campaign, Jiji offers dedicated landing pages to their favourite items where they can easily discover the hottest deals. The company also advises shoppers to:

Search early and frequently: New deals are added regularly, so checking in often will help buyers get the most desired items.

Act fast: With limited-time offers and high demand, products may sell out quickly.

Prioritise safety: Jiji emphasises the importance of following its safety tips when completing transactions. The platform encourages buyers to meet with sellers in public places, inspect items to be sure they meet their request, and only pay if satisfied.

What’s the impact on Nigeria’s e-commerce industry?

Jiji’s unique approach to offering a broad product range at competitive prices and its meet-inspect-pay model have been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s e-commerce space.

This Black Friday, the platform’s campaign not only reinforces its position as a market leader but also highlights the growing trend of online shopping among Nigerian consumers. Reports show consumers are increasingly concerned that in-store prices are not competitive with online prices, with 20% of consumers saying they’ll increase their online spend this 2024.

Jiji’s recognition by the Africa Retail Awards comes at a time when consumer expectations are evolving. There’s now a strong preference for platforms that provide variety, convenience, and value.

The organisation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the platform, and its strategic collaborations with top sellers, reflect its adaptability to market trends and commitment to delivering a superior shopping experience.

MTN Group recently welcomed a delegation of senior officials from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs at its headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This visit comes in anticipation of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to South Africa scheduled for December, which aims to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.

The Nigerian delegation included prominent figures such as Rt. Hon. Wole Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Amb. Ahmed Sulu-Gambari, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Nigeria’s High Commissioner, H.E. Alexander T. Ajayi, among others. They were received by top MTN executives, including the Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas and others.

During the meeting, Rt. Hon. Wole Oke acknowledged MTN’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy. “MTN remains a leading player in the Nigerian telecommunications industry. Over the years, the company has contributed significantly to the nation’s economy through its investment in infrastructure, promotion of digital inclusion, and job creation,” he stated.

The delegation emphasized that MTN’s investments in Nigeria are crucial for strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa. Mcebisi Jonas reiterated MTN’s commitment to fostering these relationships: “At MTN, we believe in Pan-Africanism and promoting African solidarity. Building social, economic, and political relations is crucial for a united Africa, and MTN is dedicated to fostering these relationships across countries.”

Discussions also focused on expanding partnerships between MTN Group and the Nigerian government, exploring how corporate objectives can align with Nigeria’s national development goals.

Jonas highlighted MTN’s long-term commitment to Nigeria’s digital economy: “MTN is in Nigeria for the long haul. We will continue to partner with the Nigerian government in promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and other initiatives that will enhance the nation’s economy.”

He assured that MTN would actively support the Nigerian presidency’s diplomatic and economic objectives during the upcoming state visit. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to South Africa is set for December 2, 2024, representing a pivotal opportunity for both nations to align their strategic interests and strengthen bilateral relations.

The Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes has expressed its commitment to increasing the budget allocation for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to support its anti-corruption mandate.

Senator Emmanuel Udende, chairman of the committee, made this statement during an oversight visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

Udende emphasised that the EFCC’s funding is essential to effectively combat emerging financial crimes.

“When the EFCC chairman explains the need for software to counter virtual and cryptocurrency fraud valued at around ₦3.4 billion, it becomes clear that more funding is crucial,” Udende said, adding that enhanced budgetary support would enable the agency to improve its operations.

He also proposed that the EFCC receive a percentage of its recovered assets to sustain its activities, similar to the Nigeria Customs Service, which retains a percentage of its seizures.

“Like Customs, the EFCC could benefit from a share of the proceeds they recover annually, helping them work more sustainably,” he added.

Ola Olukoyede, chairman, EFCC, called on the National Assembly to increase the commission’s 2025 budget by 300 percent to enable it to acquire advanced technology for tackling illicit financial flows and economic sabotage.

He stressed that inadequate funding is a significant barrier, noting that a 300 percent budget increase is necessary for the EFCC to fulfil its duties effectively.

Olukoyede also appealed to lawmakers to support efforts to improve the agency’s public perception.

The EFCC is currently investigating the extractive industry, and Olukoyede indicated that those implicated would soon face charges. He expressed concern over the negative impact of corruption on Nigeria and vowed that the EFCC would pursue cases of embezzlement and misuse of government funds.

Additionally, Olukoyede announced that the EFCC now has access to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), enabling the agency to monitor disbursements and ensure appropriate use of funds.

He informed senators that the EFCC would also monitor constituency projects to ensure transparency.

“We now collaborate with the Accountant General’s Office and have access to IPPIS, allowing us to track fund allocations. Distinguished senators, we will also oversee your constituency projects and hope for your support in championing this cause,” he said

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