Lagos traders count losses after prolonged downpour

Some traders in the various markets in Lagos sustained financial losses following a prolonged downpour which began in the morning. The downpour, which stretched into the afternoon hours, left many parts of the city and markets flooded.

Many workers reported late at work. Some markets, and many stalls were submerged by water, a situation which made it impossible for the traders and customers to transact businesses.
At the Apongbon, Idumota, Oyingbo and Mushin markets, the situation was the same.

Traders spent most of the morning salvaging their wares, while only few customers could brave the flood to make purchases.

Mr Olusegun Johnson, General Secretary, Mushin Market Association, said that the flood made it impossible for him to display his books and other stationery items for sale.

“I used nylon (polythene) to cover the little ones on display, but it is difficult for people to see what I am selling,” Johnson said.

Mr Charles Umeh, Chairman of Perishable Foods in Oyingbo Market, said that the downpour and the ensuing flood deprived them of their usual early morning sales.

“I could not come to the market as early as possible today because of the downpour that started in the morning,” Umeh said.

Mrs Titi Carew, a tomato seller in the same market, said that the sellers would naturally record low sales because of the large scale flooding in the area.

“Customers are at home because they can’t come out of their flooded houses to buy things in the market,” Carew said.

Mr Lukman Lawal, a trader at Idumota said that the flood made the markets inaccessible.
“Idumota road is very bad; vehicles can hardly pass through the road whenever it rains,” he said..
Mr John Obinna, Manager of God’s Favour Daily Contributory Scheme in one of the markets, said that the downpour would cause setbacks to traders’ projected daily savings.

“The traders are complaining of low sales and most of them did not come to the market,” Obinna said.