Gline Logistics

Life After The Tragic #EndSARS Protest; Picking Up Your business

Endsars

The past two weeks were phenomenal and equally, traumatic for Nigeria and Nigerians at large. The #EndSARS protests were an eye-opener into the fragile condition of the Nigerian society and although they started on a high note with so much hope, so many things happened so fast that even at this time no one seems to have caught up and everyone just wants to move on. The BBC reported that the #EndSARS movement has changed Nigeria and we can all agree that things will never be the same again in the nation, the movement and protests may seem to be declining but it is not over just yet, the fighting spirit has been shelved for resting and protesters have become strategic in their approach.

The Business world was directly in the middle of the crossfire as brands globally and locally threw their weight in support of the movement and when hoodlums started to riot locally owned businesses bore the brunt of it. The Nigerian economic and financial analytic firm Nairametrics estimates that billions were lost in the duration of the protests and as life starts to catch up with us it can be very difficult to pick up your business or rebuild as the case may be.

Everyone in business understands that beyond the theoretic advice offered things can get very difficult for owners. The major challenge for stakeholders and business at this time is how to get back on their feet in life after #EndSars.

Without a doubt, every business outlet has been affected by the events of the past two weeks whether directly or indirectly. Some local businesses were looted as hoodlums took to the streets and riots spread and some business operations had to be put on hold particularly in Lagos as the government imposed curfews to regain sanity in the state. All these do not compare to the uncertainty that hovered above our heads and is still faintly present as business owners decide whether to continue full-scale operations or test the waters one foot at a time.

The first thing to do for your business at this time is to count the cost. You have to record just how much you have lost since the beginning of the protests and at the peak of events. Proper documentation is not only advisory but necessary should the need arise in special cases of judicial inquiries or reparations. In all, counting the costs will give you a clear idea of just how well you have been affected and where you can start to rebuild.

 

Another thing that is perhaps very difficult to do at this time and although it is easy to say is for brands and businesses to embrace empathy in their process of reconstruction. The empathy here is not a false sense of support to the cause but should come from an understanding that the problems we face and the damages sustained are the heavy prices which we are paying to see a nation of dreams, they are the result of a system that has failed us and by looking closely, we can see that this is more reason that the efforts put into this must not be in vain.

On All Grounds, Every Property And Business Owners Are Justified In Seeking Redress For Any Loss Incurred But What Will Enable Businesses To Regain And Recuperate Easily Will Be An Understanding Of Social Issues And Finding A Way To Integrate Their Business Back To Society. An Empathetic Approach When Done Sincerely Will Rally Public Opinion In Your Favor And Can Speed Up The Healing Process For Your Business. In A Message That Went Viral, The Owners Of SPAR, A Nigerian Supermarket Expressed Their Sadness When Their Stores Were Looted by hoodlums who took advantage of the #Endsars protest But Stood In Solidarity With The Cause And The Purpose Of Rebuilding Nigeria.

Because Of The Threat Of A Global Pandemic And The Tendency For The #EndSARS Protests To Continue, We Advise That You Be Careful About Reopening Your Business At Full Capacity. While It Is Necessary To Keep Your Business Afloat, It Would Be More Profitable If You Move With Caution And Avoid The Temptation Of Moving On At Full Capacity. This Is Because The Current Situation Of The Nation Is Unpredictable And Volatile.

Nevertheless, the air around the nation is clearing and in many parts business is back. The ports in Lagos which were affected temporarily are functioning again.

The transport and logistics network is back and the peace cherish dearly is coming. The presence of global brands in Nigeria along with the huge potential of citizens drew international attention and as the people have gone off the streets to the courts, panels, and the press to demand accountability we are assured that progress will kick in swiftly.

As always, the holiday season and the remainder of the year hold so many possibilities and promises for stakeholders in Nigeria, as life goes on and people move on from the crises it becomes clearer that progress and stability are forthcoming.

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