Grinding – another occupation in Nigeria
Not everyone has the capacity to buy a private grinding engine and grind by themselves at home. So, the services of these people are needed. The young lady in the picture supports her mother in the business.
The cost of grinding beans, corn, or tomatoes and pepper, ranges from ₦50, ₦70, ₦150, e. t.c (the higher the quantity, the higher the price). Grinding business is easy and it requires no education. According to the grinder, someone just showed her how to start the engine; meanwhile she has been learning new things through experience.
The grinder is a teacher; she teaches primary school and combines it with this business. She was at Achala before she was transferred to Mbaukwu, if she does the business in the morning, she will close and go to school, then when she comes, she re-opens. She used it as a part time job to support her family. Her husband helped me a lot in the business.
The grinding engine is “Made in Nigeria” and it has lasted for over 10 years, it was constructed in 2005. The grinder said that, the man that built it for her used quality material. The one that you build by yourself lasts longer than the already made ones in the market (the already made engines stays for just 3 years and it gets damaged). You can either use an electric grinding engine or an engine that is powered by petrol.
How much did it cost you to start up the business back then in 2005?
I budgeted ₦50,000 but I paid workmanship for ₦30,000 and bought the separate engine for ₦15,000, so it totaled to ₦45,000. Then the remaining ₦5000 was used for other minor expenses.
But now, in the market they sell already made engine and the grinder for ₦35,000.
Personally, I don’t use the electric engine because it shocks, so I use fuel because it is preferable and safer.
What motivated you to start up this business?
When I came to this town; I always wanted to grind my beans and tomatoes, but I couldn’t find a place in my entire area where I could grind.
So, I told one of my family friends and she advised that, if I can manage to buy an engine and start the business, people will definitely patronize me. The business is lucrative and it favored me well; I made a lot of money from it.
Now, people who want to start this business, come to me for advice and coaching.
Her advice to other Nigerians
My advice is that people should do whatever their hand sees to do and should also be hardworking. Even if it is pure water, banana, just do something to get money, because if you are not ready to work it means that iga abu onye ori.
Click here to save this Post as PDF
