Lagos Traders Face Low Sales Ahead of Eid-el-Kabir

As Eid-el-Kabir approaches, traders in Lagos State are expressing concerns over low sales and poor patronage. Mr. Patience Akpan, a food trader, noted that this year's patronage is unusually low compared to previous celebrations, with many customers citing insufficient funds.

The price of a 50kg basket of tomatoes has risen to between N80,000 and N140,000, compared to N50,000 last year. Ram sellers, including Iya Amina, are also facing reduced patronage despite a slight drop in tomato prices.

Mr. Yusuf Abubakar highlighted that the cost of sacrificial animals has become unaffordable for many families, with small rams selling for at least N300,000. Mr. Remilekun Bello lamented the alarming increase in prices, stating that the cost of a small cow ranges from N800,000 to N1 million.

The overall sentiment among traders is one of concern as they hope for a recovery in sales and purchasing power ahead of the holiday.