Exhibitors and traders have lamented low patronage at ongoing 38th edition of the Kaduna International Trade Fair attributing it to the nation’s economic recession.
The one-week fair, organised by the Kaduna State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which declared open on February 25 and is expected to close on March 5.
Our correspondent visit to the Kaduna Trade Fair Complex on Zaria-Kano Road, the venue of the event, observed the low presence of customers and visitors, although many school children who came on excursion were seen in some stands.
Most of the traders and exhibitors were seen sitting in front of their stands anxiously waiting for customers that were not much available on ground for business.
In an interview with some of the participants,they blamed the low turnout and patronage on the economic crisis the country is facing and lack of publicity by the trade fair organisers.
Mr Gabriel Uzu, a gas cylinder exhibitor, who compared the ongoing fair with previous ones described the 38th edition as been the worst.
“Since I came in here last sunday but as I speak to you I have not seen up to 40 customers. I will not come the next because I cannot by using my money to pay organisers and use it again to feed myself here. It is better I stay in my shop in Kaduna central market. I believe is the economic recession” Uzu said.
A pop-corn vendor, Mary Gambo, lamented that:” One hundred naira pop corn nobody is buying. I came last monday and up till now I have not make up to N5,000 in four days. Economy is really affecting us here. Last year I made N20,000 in four days”
Another exhibitor, Spark James, who hawks toiletries said he ate food with all the money:” I sold my things for N500 and I have eaten with the money. Even as I don’t have customers because the trade fair is very dry as you can see,i can’t die of hunger. I don’t have anything to take home because for now I sell and eat with the money” he lamented.
When contacted some of the trade fair organisers were not happy and declined comment over the incident as the economy affected exhibitors and traders.