Aswani traders urge govt to return Tuesday market day

By Damilola Kushimo

Traders in Aswani International Market has appealed to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to return the market day to its usual Tuesday.

This appeal was made by traders of the weekly market following the recent adjustment of trading hours for food and non-food markets in the state announced by the government.

The adjustment now makes it possible for traders across all markets to transact from 8am to 6pm.

Although traders appreciated the state government for the adjustment while commending market leaders for ensuring that everybody in the market adhere strictly to the precautionary measures against the spread of the coronavirus, they clamoured for reversal of the market day to its initial Tuesday to avoid conflict with other markets in the state.

They noted that the market has been recording low patronage since it was shifted to Wednesday as it coincides with other markets.

One of the traders who spoke to ECHONEWS, Mrs. Saida Hassan, complained that the opening of some neighbouring markets on the same day with Aswani has reduced the number of buyers who patronise the market.

“Though we appreciate the government for the recent extension of market hours, it is important to note that sales have been low since Aswani now shares the same day with other markets. Patronage has been affected, greatly. Buyers are now left with multiple options at the same time. They now prefer the closest market to them considering the traffic congestion in order to avoid traffic congestion and other understandable factors. We hope the market day for Aswani can be reversed while other precautions are still in place, it will help the government.”

“I trade in different markets on different days, but ever since all markets now share the same day with Aswani, I choose to come here on Wednesday with the hope of making greats sales but, the sale hasn’t been as impressive. Not until the day is reversed before significant changes can be achieved as regards patronage and sales, ” said Mrs. Sanusi, another trader.

Meanwhile, one of the market leaders explained that the recent readjustment of market hours has little or not effect on the Answani market, emphasising that not until the day is reversed to what it used to be before the market could have its usual market atmosphere and sales increase.