Let me tell you about “Oso Ahia.”
If you’re Igbo or have done business in a Nigerian market that is dominated by Igbos-, you probably know this hustle. It’s a bit like “dropshipping” that oyibo people rave about, but with a local twist.
Here’s the deal: you don’t own the goods, but you can still sell them, make some profit, pay the real owner, and keep the rest.
Simple, right? Well, not always. Let me break it down.
How Oso Ahia Works (The Good Part)
Imagine this—you’re in the market, and someone shows up trying to transact a busiiness with you while acting like the ‘boss’ of a shop.
Suddenly the product you want to buy isn’t in stock at thie shop. The guy ‘boss’ tells you the product is in his warehouse or at another store that he owns. He convinces you and take you to this store.
Soon as you arrive, he stamps his feet at the door, gives the people in the store a tough look, and starts barking orders like he’s Dangote. Those in the store knowing the script, plays along.
Finally, the “boss” sells you the goods, collects your money, and later splits the cash with the real store owner. It’s a win-win. Everyone’s happy!
It’s a hustle built on trust and drama—yes, drama. Nigerians love a good performance, and in Oso Ahia, they deliver!
This system has been around for generations. The Igbo people are pros at it, and many start this way before they save up enough to open their own shops.
The unwritten rule? Hustle hard, but don’t mess with trust.
And boy, you don’t want to break that rule!
When Oso Ahia Goes Wrong (You Don Buy Wahala)
Now, here’s where it gets tricky. Let’s say you buy something, and it turns out to be low-quality or, worse, completely useless. Maybe you bought a “genuine” iPhone, and it turns into a Nokia torchlight by the time you get home.
In the U.S. or Europe, you could just return it and get your money back. But here in Naija? My brother, good luck! The store owner might start acting like he’s never seen you before, or they’ll say, “It’s the middleman’s fault!”—and that’s how you find yourself in a merry-go-round of excuses.
The problem? Refund policies do not exist here. Even if you can track down the middleman, who’s to say he hasn’t disappeared into thin air with your money? Always be careful!
Barrier to Entry: Easy to Start, But Can You Be Trusted?
Here’s the beauty of “Oso Ahia”—the barrier to entry is low. You don’t need a shop, a warehouse, or even inventory to get started. All you need is trust and connections. That’s right, trust is the foundation of this business.
In Nigeria, we have a lot of complaints about unemployment, with many blaming politicians for their struggles (and don’t get me wrong, they deserve some blame). But at some point, you need to stop playing the blame game and get your hands dirty. “Oso Ahia” offers a chance for anyone willing to hustle and build relationships. It’s perfect for people looking for a side hustle or even a full-time gig. You can even set up a website, list products, and mark them up a little. Look for suppliers, sell their products, make a profit—it’s that simple.
How to Get Started
- Build Relationships: Reach out to suppliers or shop owners you trust. Whether it’s in a physical market or online, you need people who will sell you quality products.
- Create Your Platform: Start small. You can use social media, or even build a website. Take pictures of the products and list them for sale. Once a customer buys, you purchase the item from your supplier, deliver it, and keep the profit.
- Leverage Partnerships: If you have friends looking for ways to make money, team up. Partnerships are common in “Oso Ahia”—just make sure everyone is pulling their weight and staying honest.
Trust Is Key: Can You Be Trusted?
Here’s the hard part: trust. Can you be trusted to pay the supplier after making the sale? Can your supplier trust that you’ll bring back their money? This is where the issue lies. A lot of Nigerians are dishonest, and that’s part of why our country is in a mess. Without trust, “Oso Ahia” will fail.
For example, Nigerians abroad sometimes need people back home to help them buy goods for their families or homes. Can you be trusted to deliver what they ordered? Or will you pull the typical “I’m a Christian, I will never cheat you” move, and then disappear with their hard-earned money? People have been burnt too many times, and that’s why trust is in short supply.
It’s Not a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme
Let me be clear: this is not a quick way to become a billionaire. We’re all guilty of wanting to “hammer” overnight. Pastors tell us every week, “This is your week of greatness!” Motivational speakers urge us to seize every opportunity. So when someone calls you to help with a business, you shout, “My prayers have been answered!” But slow down and think.
Building trust, making money, and growing in “Oso Ahia” takes time. Don’t expect instant wealth. You need patience, integrity, and consistency. It’s a long game, but if you play it right, you can make a decent living—even turn it into something big.
Oso Ahia and The Igbo Apprenticeship System
What makes Oso Ahia interesting is its connection to the famous Igbo apprenticeship system. Young hustlers learn the business from older traders, mastering the art of negotiation, trust, and (yes) drama. It’s a bit like business school but without the boring lectures. They get hands-on experience in how to deal with customers, move goods, and make money—all while building trust with shop owners.
This system is why many Igbo traders are so successful. They don’t need big capital to start. They just need sharp business sense, a good relationship with shop owners, and the ability to act like a boss when they need to! The Igbo apprenticeship system is considered one of the largest business incubators in the world, often producing successful entrepreneurs after a few years of mentorship .
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, “Oso Ahia” is part of the rich tradition of Igbo entrepreneurship. It’s built on trust and relationships, but like any system, it has its flaws. If you’re thinking of jumping into this hustle, remember—trust is your greatest asset. Without it, no business will last long.
So, next time someone tries to sell you something while acting like the boss of a store they don’t own, just smile, inspect the goods, and remember—you’re part of a centuries-old hustle.
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