Market vendors in Nigeria's Lafia report fewer customers due to bad roads and water shortage
Vendors at the tomato market in the Tudun-Gwandara area of Lafia, Nigeria, said the number of customers at the market has fallen by more than 70% due to poor road conditions and a lack of basic services. Premium Times Nigeria reports that customers are increasingly bypassing the market because it is difficult to access.
Decline in supplies and revenue
Traders claim that the number of trucks delivering goods to the market daily has dropped from more than ten to two or three. One vendor, identified by the outlet as Mr Christopher, said he previously received supplies twice a week but now has to wait more than two weeks before placing a new order.
Meat seller Ibrahim Dauda said the water shortage has increased traders' costs because they are forced to buy water from suppliers. According to him, he pays daily for about three truckloads of water for his own needs.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Jacob Angulu, who owns two shops selling everyday goods at the market, said the number of customers is decreasing every day because of the difficulty of accessing the market. Peanut oil seller Zakari Ismail also reported a substantial drop in daily revenue: it previously exceeded 300,000 naira, while now, he said, it is difficult for him to earn 50,000 naira.
Flooded road to the market
A buyer who tried to reach the market by motorcycle told the outlet that rains are making the road increasingly impassable. Premium Times Nigeria journalists noted that rainwater had flooded the approach to the market and its grounds, making access difficult for buyers and shop owners.
Traders appealed to the Nasarawa State authorities and the Lafia local government to provide the market with drinking water and repair the road leading to it and within its premises. Grain seller Comfort John suggested that traders may have to leave the market if the situation does not change. The market serves middle-class households near central Lafia and is a source of income for dozens of traders and other workers.
