Food markets open in Lagos despite curfew but prices increase over roadblocks

Despite the curfew, some markets in Lagos are gradually reopening as consumers desperately try to restock on food items following the curfew announcement that came unexpectedly.

BusinessDay observed customers cautiously trying to conduct their shopping as briskly as possible, in market areas that are also only operating skeletally as they attend to customers.

Opposite the Arena shopping complex in Oshodi, some foodstuff sellers were seen displaying their wares along the road, even as a truck was seen offloading plantain bunches this afternoon.

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The Mushin market also opened for skeletal activities, with foodstuff traders from tomato, to vegetables and meat sellers opening for business although in limited numbers. Yam traders along Alasalatu Road Street were also seen open for business, but customers were still not as much.

Along Market street which is right next to Wey Street in Mushin, more traders could be seen open for business although many stalls were still not open. At all these opened market areas, prices increased between 50 and 100 percent, as tomato and pepper traders for instance said roadblocks mounted by hoodlums meant trucks had to part with more money before conveying goods to them.

BusinessDay also learnt, although not physically verified, that the Daleko Market, the country’s largest market for rice has also opened yesterday and today but only for brisk activities in the morning only.

Driving through most neighbourhoods, from Abule Egba, through Ikeja to Mushin, and some parts of Surulere, residents go about their activities in few numbers even as a fewer number of youths have maintained roadblocks and extorting road users.