Ramadan: Traders lament low patronage, hardship in Jos

Traders and customers of various items in Jos, the Plateau State capital, are decrying low patronage and the continued economic hardship.

Traders are lamenting a slowdown in sales while buyers are struggling with low purchasing power to buy food items and essential commodities for the Ramadan fast, saying the high cost of goods and services has resulted in widespread lamentation among them.

Many traders have observed a notable decrease in customers’ turnout, attributing it to their inability to afford their products.

Jamilu Abubakar, a date seller, said “Well, we thank Allah for what we are witnessing today. But our business is not flourishing like before. The amount that we used to buy a bag of dates has doubled compared to the price last year. Removal of fuel subsidy and high taxation are the main causes of the problem.

Ramadan: Traders lament low patronage, hardship in Jos

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Dahiru Isma’il, a drink seller said, “Our businesses are slowing down due to low patronage occasioned by food inflation. Because of the current economic situation, people have cut down their expenses.’’

Auwal Abdullahi, another drink seller explained that “ Yes, of course, we are finding it difficult in the market because people don’t have money and that is why we are experiencing low patronage unlike previous years.”

 Some residents of Jos while commenting on the economic situation said they were not finding it easy at the moment.

Adamu Muhammad, a resident said, “We are fasting just because it has become compulsory on us because we are struggling to buy food to eat unlike last year when things were a bit affordable. Now, food has become very expensive and we can no longer afford it. Everything is expensive.”

 The traders and their customers urged governments at all levels to intervene and cushion the situation to ameliorate the pains of average Nigerians.