**The Erosion of Online Shopping: How Rising Waybill Costs Are Driving Nigerians Back to Physical Markets** In the not-so-distant past, the thought of shopping from the comfort of our homes was a luxury many Nigerians could only dream of. But with the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent fuel scarcity, online shopping became the new normal. Many of us ditched the hustle and bustle of physical markets, opting for the convenience of scrolling through our screens, sending messages, and making payments, while our goods arrived at our doorstep within days. However, the tide appears to be turning, and this time, it's not because of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Rising waybill costs, which are essentially the fees charged by logistics companies for the delivery of goods, are now driving many online shoppers back to physical markets. These costs, which were initially absorbed by the logistics companies, have now been passed on to consumers. For many Nigerians, the added expense is a deal-breaker. Consider this: if you order a product online and the waybill cost is N2,000, you might think it's a small price to pay for the convenience. However, if you factor in the cost of fuel, which is already high, and the fact that you can buy the same product at the market for a lower price, the equation starts to tilt in favor of the physical market. The implications of this trend are far-reaching. For one, it's a setback for the growth of e-commerce in Nigeria. Online shopping was supposed to be a game-changer, providing opportunities for small businesses to reach a wider audience and for consumers to access a wider range of products. However, if consumers are priced out of the online market, these opportunities will be lost. Additionally, the rise of physical markets means that small businesses will have to contend with the challenges of operating in a crowded and competitive space. As we navigate this new landscape, it's clear that the waybill costs are not just a minor inconvenience, but a significant obstacle to the growth of online shopping in Nigeria. Whether we like it or not, the physical market is making a comeback, and it's up to e-commerce players to find ways to make online shopping more affordable and attractive to consumers. Only then can we hope to see a resurgence in online shopping, and the benefits that come with it.