Some Lagos traders have lamented the low patronage of foodstuffs, especially pepper due to price hike and the low purchasing power of residents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) spoke to traders and consumers in separate interviews in Lagos, on patronage ahead of Sallah celebration.

The Chairman, Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria, Kaduna chapter, Mr Rabiu Zuntu, attributed the development to the low purchasing power and the hike in the price of the produce.

“Pepper is quite expensive up north also. A jumbo bag of 50kg is sold as high as N150,000 per bag as against N60,000 to N70,000 it was months back.

“This hike may likely affect the Sallah celebration as only few consumers may be able to afford the produce.

“The issue is that we are not in the season of pepper farming. The lack of rains has made the commodity scarce, as we have only a few farmers engaged in irrigation farming.

“However, most people will improvise with dried pepper, as they are more affordable this period. Demand is also low at this time but we hope it increases,” Zuntu said.

On her part, Mrs Mistura Balogun, a pepper vendor at the Lawanson Market in Surulere, lamented about the unusually low patronage.

“It is not just pepper that’s expensive; many commodities are costly too,” she said.

“However, she noted that tomatoes are relatively more affordable than other types of peppers.

“Typically, by this time of the month, the market is bustling with activities. Today’s scene is starkly different.

“I’ve been sitting at my stand since morning, and the number of customers who have come to purchase pepper can be counted on the one hand,” Balogun said.

Another pepper seller, Mrs Mojisola Gbadegesin, at the Idi-Araba market, shared similar sentiments, stating that despite the high prices of pepper, customers usually still showed up to buy.

“But this time, the patronage is poor. You wouldn’t even know that Sallah is approaching given the low turnout.

“The market is dry, and business is slow,” Gbadegesin said.

Another foodstuff, Mrs Judith Amen, said the price of pepper among other foodstuff is on the increase and may likely skyrocket at the peak of the celebrations.

“At the beginning of the week, a small bag of pepper (scotch bonnet) sold for as high as N70,000 but this weekend, the price will definitely skyrocket because of the Sallah celebration.

“A good bag of rice sells at N85,000 while other lower quality sells between N60,000 and N75,000 per bag.

“Patronage is quite low but we expect it to pick up a day before the Sallah, but consumers will only buy what they can afford,” Amen said.

Also, Mr John Nwabueze, a foodstuff trader at the Agege area of the state, complained of the dearth of customers as the Eid celebrations kick in.

“Patronage has really been low, people have been buying in trickles based on their pocket power.

“Everywhere has been dry,not just for rice but all commodities in the market, traders are complaining of low sales.

“A 50kg bag of rice sells between N76,000 and N78,000 but we are still recording low sales this Sallah celebration,” Nwabueze said.

On her part, Mrs Amina Fakunle, a resident at Alimosho area of the state, said the high cost of pepper would result in consumers cutting their coat.

“Just six pieces of pepper cost as high as N500 and that is the least price you can get it. What do you expect people to do but to celebrate the end of the fast low key?

“Patronage at our local markets maybe low because people will only buy what they can afford,” Fakunle said.

Another resident at Dopemu area of the state, Mr David Oriafo, said he just get few items for his family but the market did not its usual buzz during festivities.

“I just got the few items I could for my family, so as to save costs, but I noticed activities are at a low ebb.

“It does not seem like there is a celebration coming, people are just buying what they can afford like I am,” Oriafo said. (NAN)