Traders Report Low Patronage Ahead of Eid-el-Kabir

Ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, traders across Lagos, Ogun, and Kaduna States are expressing concerns over low patronage and fluctuating food prices. In Ikotun Market, traders reported a significant decline in buyers, with Rasheedat Akanbi noting that the price of tomatoes has increased by 100% compared to the previous year, with a paint bucket now costing between N7,000 and N20,000.

In contrast, traders in Akut Market reported a decrease in prices for staple food items like rice and palm oil, with a 25-liter keg of palm oil selling for N38,000, down from N60,000 to N65,000 last year. Meat sellers, including Mr. Gafaru, lamented reduced purchases due to high livestock costs, with cows now costing around N1.4 million.

Aisha Lawal and Sheriff also noted the unusual calm in the market, attributing it to the high costs of food items and fuel, which have affected consumer purchasing behavior.