Despite the perils of the road between Kebbi and Gumi in Zamfara State, charcoal merchants from Kebbi State place their trust in divine protection as they embark on their quest for the coveted black energy essential for cooking in many households.
As the costs of gas and kerosene soar nationwide, numerous families in Zamfara State have turned to charcoal to prepare their meals, amplifying the demand for this traditional fuel source.
“The journey typically spans three arduous days. After arriving in Gumi, the dealers rest for the night before venturing out the next day to procure charcoal, only to hit the road again the following day with hundreds of sacks in tow,” recounted Ahmadu Audu, a seasoned player in the trade.
For these dealers, acquiring charcoal for sale back home is non-negotiable. Sometimes, they even trek to Niger State if supplies run short in Zamfara.
Speaking at the bustling Sabo Kasua (Central Market) in the state capital, Umar A. Umar, a prominent charcoal dealer, elucidated on how he and his association members sustain themselves through this business endeavor.
“With the skyrocketing prices of cooking gas and kerosene, charcoal has become the go-to option for ordinary folks to put food on the table. We travel far and wide to source charcoal for our customers, as it’s their only affordable cooking solution,” Umar remarked.
He detailed the logistics involved, citing that a truckload of 100 bags from Gumi costs approximately N600,000, whereas sourcing from Koko in Kebbi could amount to N350,000 for the same quantity.
Umar revealed their pricing strategy, with Gumi charcoal selling at N4,000 per bag, while those from Birnin Kebbi and Koko are priced at N3,500 and N3,000, respectively.
The inflated prices, he lamented, are a consequence of security agency extortions and transportation expenses, driving up the cost from its previous rates of N1,200 to N1,500 per bag.
Reflecting on his journey in the trade, Umar proudly shared how it enabled him to support his family, having married two wives and fathered several children.
“I earn between N15,000 and N20,000 daily, and with additional sales of local charcoal burners, my income has further improved,” he disclosed.
When questioned about the stigma associated with his profession, Umar shrugged off any embarrassment, emphasizing the dignity in earning an honest living.
He encouraged unemployed youths to explore entrepreneurial ventures, regardless of societal perceptions, underscoring the significance of self-reliance.
However, Umar expressed apprehension over potential government bans on charcoal sales, which would jeopardize their livelihoods and impact countless households reliant on this affordable fuel source.
Echoing his sentiments, 20-year-old dealer Umar Faisal shared his success story, having acquired property and prepared for marriage from his earnings.
“My clientele ranges from the affluent to the less privileged, all seeking charcoal as an alternative cooking fuel. I’m content with my work, as it affords me independence and sustenance,” Faisal asserted.
He appealed to the government to address security agency extortion along the transportation routes, a persistent challenge faced by charcoal traders on their return journeys.
