Sellers of perishable goods lament as residents desert Lagos markets

It was a day to remember for sellers of perishable goods in Lagos yesterday as they counted their losses following the commencement of the nationwide protest that left markets deserted.

The situation affected the famous Alaba International Market, Ojo, and markets within the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex along the Mile 2-Badagry expressway.

The protest, which is planned to end on August 10, aims to draw the federal government’s attention to the economic hardship facing Nigerians.Residents and traders deserted the markets out of fear that hoodlums would hijack the protest and cause violence.

Some traders who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said their goods would perish before the end of the protest, thereby complicating their economic hardship.

While there were no protests in the Ojo area of the state, major roads were deserted by people, even as security operatives took positions at strategic points.

Residents gathered in front of their streets and at open places discussing the protest. A fish seller, Mrs Rita Igwe, said she had over N900,000 frozen chicken and fish in her shop at Alaba International Market. She prayed that the protest would end within a day to enable her to open her shop and sell her goods.

Also, Mrs Grace Ukakwe, who sells food at the market, regretted that her raw food items would perish. She also said that her inability to open her shop and sell food would compound her economic hardship.

An executive member at the Balogun Trade Fair Market, Mr Tochi Amadi, said the market was not shut down; traders were told to stay away for safety.
“Anyone who wishes to come to the market can access his or her shop but at his or her own risk. We are around because we are executives, to monitor the market against arsonists and looters,” he said.

On Ago Palace Way in Oshodi-Isolo Local Council, most shops were locked. Some tomato, onion and pepper sellers displayed their wares for sale along roadsides but had no patronage as many stayed indoors.

Police officers and their vehicles were seen at the Ago Roundabout while the Divisional Police Station on Ago Palace Way positioned officers at Century Bus Stop.

Commercial and private vehicles were scanty on the roads. A supermarket owner on Ago Palace Way pleaded anonymity and said the protest paralysed her business activities as people remained indoors and shops were locked.

“If the government listened to the cry of the masses, there would be no need for protests. Subsidy removal on fuel inflicted much pain on the masses. Also, the electricity tariff is too high.

“Government should do more to make industries run well, put basic amenities in place and check insecurity, as farmers cannot enter their farms. Foodstuff prices are very high,” she said.

Also, a businessman on Ago Palace Way, David Olakunle, prayed that the protest would be peaceful so that there would not be any damage to property or loss of lives.

“I pray that the protest will not last long as it has disrupted one’s activities. The government should do something about the fuel price, which is the primary cause of the inflation.

“A farmer that goes to the farm has to transport his goods to the market, which is expensive,” he said. At Oke Afa Estate, Isolo, some tomato and pepper sellers also regretted poor patronage, saying their goods would spoil and their economic situation would worsen.

One of them, who gave his name simply as Mohammed, said his goods were perishable, and he came out to sell them to prevent losses. A popular meat seller at the Canoe Market in Oke Afa Estate, Mr Wale Ojo, was not deterred by the protest. He was at the market selling his goods to a few buyers. He told NAN that he did not want his family to go hungry.

“I left my house around 4.00 a.m. to go to the slaughterhouse to buy the meat. I was not afraid of anything. That is why I came out to sell my goods. “I make money for my family’s needs daily. If I don’t sell today, what will my family eat?

“Nigeria is hard, but we have been managing it. I don’t want anything to disrupt the peace I am enjoying. Peace is better,” he said.