Maiduguri blacksmith says his metal pots are treasured not only by Nigerians but also by people in Chad, Cameroon and Senegal.
Business for blacksmiths in Borno State is booming – particularly the sales of metal pots which are popular throughout Nigeria as well as in the neighbouring countries of Chad and Cameroon.
Blacksmiths said the recent reopening of borders between Nigeria and its two neighbours had increased sales.
“When the borders were shut, business was not great,” said Alhaji Massa, a blacksmith from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. “But now that the borders have reopened, business is booming. People even come from as far away as Senegal to buy pots. Some resell the pots in their country, others keep them for personal use.”
Massa said he crafted the pots and sold them at the Gamboru Market in Maiduguri.
“Business is moving swiftly and smoothly but the metal we use, known as Dalma, is extremely expensive. Smaller pots cost between ₦5,000 and ₦15,000 each and bigger pots go for between ₦15,000 and ₦40,000.
“I have many buyers who come from N’Djamena in Chad. They buy my pots and then resell them to others in N’Djamena. Some buyers keep them for their personal use.
“The best pots are made by Borno blacksmiths because we craft them authentically and we use quality materials.
“Recently, people from as far away as Senegal have been coming here to buy pots. But they are popular all over. Nigerians from Zamfara and Kano states often come to the market to buy the pots.”
Hajja Bintu Mohammed, buys pots in Maiduguri and resells them in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad.
“I live in Maiduguri and I make a living by buying the pots here and selling them in Chad. Luckily, I have never encountered any problems en route.
“The quality of the pots at Gamboru Market is high and they are also durable. I use them at home. They are fine pots and the Chadians love them and often recommend me to their friends.
“Selling the pots is a profitable business – as long as we do not encounter any problems travelling between the two countries. The reopening of borders has made it a lot easier.”
AYSHA MUSTAPHA KOLOMI
