Nigerian Government Masters Liepāja Market Negotiation Methods: Pay Kidnappers, But Deny It

The Nigerian government has mastered the same negotiation art that Liepāja's market has been practicing for decades — pay the demanded sum, but then firmly deny any fact of money exchange. The government paid Islamists approximately two billion naira for kidnapped students, but officially claims no ransom was paid. This method is known in Liepāja as 'shopping at the white market' — you pay, but never admit it.

'What do you mean, I never paid thirty lats for a kilogram of tomatoes,' says Kārlis from Liepāja market, 'just like Nigeria's government never paid for students. But if the tomatoes were especially good...'

Gang leader Sadiks, who has previously collected ransom for train passengers, has obviously graduated from the Liepāja tram conductor school — payment is mandatory, but no receipt is given. The only difference is that in our tram, at least after paying they don't kidnap you.

Meanwhile in Riga, government officials are still trying to understand why their negotiation technique with oligarchs isn't as effective as Nigeria's model. Maybe they should move to Liepāja and take a few lessons in market diplomacy.

'Here in Liepāja we've long known — if someone steals your bag at the market, pay up and stay quiet. Only we do it with a smile and call it 'commerce',' comments Marija from Kuršu market, counting today's profits and thinking about the Nigerian government's naivety.