In Sokoto State, furniture makers are facing significant challenges as Nigeria’s economic situation forces customers to prefer second-hand furniture over new pieces. ASHENEWS visited several furniture shops to understand the impact on local production and customer preferences.
Despite a high rate of marriages, with weddings taking place every week, furniture makers are experiencing a decline in sales. Potential buyers, constrained by economic hardship, are opting for used chairs and beds instead of commissioning new ones.
Mr Olalekan Ojo, owner of Ola Furniture on Koko Road, shared his struggles. “I source my wood from the Sokoto central market, using industrial wood for all my products. It takes about a week to craft a set of chairs or a bed,” he explained.
“However, this year has been tough. The number of customers has drastically decreased. Even with many weddings, couples aren’t purchasing new furniture from us. They find new pieces too expensive and settle for second-hand items.”
Similarly, Mr. Williams Young of Ramadan Furniture, also on Koko Road, faces comparable issues. “I use redwood for its durability, and we can complete a set of chairs in 2-3 days if all materials are available,” he said.
“When we get a job, it depends on how fast the owner wants the chairs and if we have all the materials needed to finish quickly. The main challenges we encounter are sourcing materials and dealing with security and tax officials. Sometimes, customers reject finished products, forcing us to make costly adjustments.”
Mr Abdulgaliyu Abdullah of Iman Furniture noted a slight improvement in production but highlighted ongoing economic difficulties. “Capital is crucial for timely completion of work,” he stated. “The economy is really affecting my business. In Nigeria now, you can buy something, go back to buy the same thing later and find the price has changed within an hour. This affects our pricing and profitability.”
An employee at Iman Furniture described the irregular workflow. “We can go two weeks without making any chairs or beds due to a lack of customers. When we have orders, we work long hours, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A typical set includes various pieces, and beds take the longest to craft due to custom designs.
“A set of chairs usually includes a three-seater, a two-seater, a one-seater, one table, and six side tables. When we make a bed, it includes one bed, one wardrobe, and one bag hanger.”
At Progressive Furniture, Mr. Joseph elaborated on the design process. “I’ve been here for eight months and specialize in shaping and painting furniture according to customer preferences. It takes a full day to design a set of chairs, and even longer for beds due to the intricate designs involved.”
Overall, the economic situation in Nigeria is significantly affecting the furniture industry in Sokoto State. With customers leaning towards more affordable second-hand options, local furniture makers continue to struggle despite their skills and dedication.
