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.

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