Lagos Markets Bubble Again

Activities have resumed fully in major markets in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, after the two-day public holidays declared by the Federal Government to mark the Yuletide.

A visit to some of the markets today revealed that the usual hustle and bustle have returned.

Many shops were open to customers who came to buy goods for the New Year.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports that Mrs. Kausara Adisa, President of Children Wares Sellers Association in Balogun Market, disclosed that sales had dropped after Christmas as many parents had earlier bought clothes for their children and wards.

“We made remarkable sales within one week proceeding Christmas.

“Parents, who wanted to give their children the Christmas treat, took advantage of the new designs that we had in stock.

“We hope to have a repeat of it as the New Year celebration approaches,” she said.

Business at the Jankara Market on Lagos Island was unusually low key as traders counted their losses from the fire outbreak that occurred in the area on Wednesday.

Mr. Patrick Onyeama, a trader at the market, told NAN that the fire, which occurred as a result of firecracker explosion, caused so much damage and loss of properties.

He said that the value of goods destroyed could not be ascertained immediately.

Also, traders at the Oshodi Market have resumed their businesses with many of the shops displaying various items for sale.

Mrs. Adeola Bello, a trader, told NAN that traders whose stalls were locked were those who travelled out of Lagos to celebrate Christmas.

She said that she enjoyed sales boom about two days to Christmas because many workers did not receive their salaries on time.

Bello expressed optimism that there would be improvement in sales as the New Year approached.