2 min read
If you run a business in Nigeria, you’ve definitely heard this before:
And just like that, your money enters pending mode. Chasing customers for payment is one of the most frustrating parts of running a business. You don’t want to destroy the relationship but at the same time, this is your hard-earned money. So how do you recover your money without turning it into a fight?
Let’s break it down.
Start With a Gentle Reminder: Sometimes, people genuinely forget. Send a simple, polite message: Hi, just a quick reminder about your outstanding balance. Please let me know when I should expect payment. Thank you.
No pressure, no quarelling. Just a calm nudge. You will be surprised this alone solves a lot of cases.
Approach with understanding first: It’s easy to get angry, especially when the excuses start piling up. But reacting emotionally too early can escalate things.
Instead of saying: "You’ve been owing me for weeks!" Try: "I understand things can come up, but I would really appreciate an update on this".
This keeps things professional and reduces tension.
Be Clear and Firm (At the Right Time): If the customer keeps delaying, it’s time to switch tone not rude, just firm.
“I have followed up a few times now. I would appreciate it if this payment is settled by [specific date].
Clarity changes everything. Vague conversations lead to endless delays. Offer flexible payment options. In Nigeria, cash flow issues are real. Sometimes your customer wants to pay but genuinely can’t pay all at once.
You can say: If full payment isn’t possible right now, we can agree on part payment. This increases your chances of recovering something instead of nothing.
Stop Future Credit Immediately If Step 2 Fails: Once someone starts owing you, don’t continue selling to them on credit. A simple line like: "We will need to clear the outstanding balance before new orders". No drama. Just policy.
Keep Proper Records: This is where many business owners get stuck. If you don’t have clear records, it becomes “your word vs their word.”
Track:
When everything is documented, your confidence increases and customers take you more seriously.
Use Social Pressure Carefully: In Nigeria, reputation matters a lot. Sometimes, just mentioning consequences (without threats) works.
“I’d really prefer we settle this amicably.” That line alone sends a message. Avoid public dragging unless it’s absolutely necessary, it can backfire and damage your brand.
Know When to Let Go: This one is hard, but important. Not every debt is worth your peace of mind. If you have tried everything and the person is clearly avoiding you, you may need to write it off, learn from it and tighten your credit policy going forward. Sometimes the lesson is more valuable than the money.
Debt recovery is not about shouting or fighting, it’s about communication, structure and boundaries. The real goal is not just to get your money back, but to:
Because at the end of the day, a business that controls its money, controls its future.
