FCT traders bemoan low patronage as Eid-el-Kabir festival approaches

As Eid-el-Kabir festival approaches, traders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday in Abuja bemoaned low patronage of food stuff, livestock and vegetables among others as prices have  increased.

 

A market survey conducted and correspondents in some markets in the FCT showed that the prices of food items and livestock have gone up.

 

At the Gwagwalada Market, the prices of food items ranging  from tomatoes, pepper, cabbage, carrot and livestock have sky rocketed compared to when there was no celebration.

 

For instance, the price of ram which was sold for N25, 000 and N100, 000 has increased to between N40, 000 and N140, 000 depending on the size.

 

At Kugbo livestock market, cow that was sold for N150, 000 now sells for between N200, 000 and N350, 000.

 

Also, the price of a big basket of tomatoes which was sold for N4, 000 had increased to N8, 000.

 

Mrs Janet John, who sells tomatoes in Gwagwalada Market, attributed the high cost to the Sallah festival.

 

She, however, expressed optimism that the prices of some commodities would come down after the celebration as foodstuffs sellers were fond of increasing prices of food items during celebrations.

 

Malam Nasuru Ibrahim, a livestock dealer, said that the cost of livestock such as chicken and turkey had also increased.

 

He attributed the high cost to increase in demand, saying no matter the difficult situation people must celebrate.

 

Mr Christopher John, a vegetable seller said that the level of patronage “is very low’’.

 

Malam Shuaibu Idris, a parent said that though the economy was hard and it would not stop him from celebrating the festival with his family.

 

He added that it was another opportunity to appreciate Allah for witnessing another Sallah celebration.

 

“I may not kill ram but I have other options on how to celebrate the festival.”

 

A trader, alias Mama Unique, who sells food items at Kugbo Market said “things are very expensive in the market, especially as sallah is at hand’’.

 

She said that two weeks ago, she bought a carton of fish for N15, 000 but now the prize had increased to N20, 000.

 

She said that the increase had affected her profit in the business as the level of patronage had reduced.