Business
Lagos Trade Fair Records Low Patronage At Day Three
Business activities were still at a slow pace at many stands on weekend as the Lagos International Trade Fair entered its third day.
Some visitors at the Tafawa Balewa Square venue at the fair, said the economic situation in the country could take its toll on this year’s event, though it was just in its second day.
They spoke with The Tide source in separate interviews at the venue.
Mr Dare Kelvin, a civil servant, said that the economic situation could affect the influx of people to buy goods at the fair.
“The economy is the cause why people don’t come in to buy; people are not happy.
“Happiness comes when one is buoyant and able to come out and do basic things for himself, and by the time this is not happening, this kind of situation is what you will find,” he said.
Mrs Komolafe Peters, an evangelist, said the level of unemployment in the country, could have an effect on the fair.
According to him, “Many Nigerians are not working, those who are working are not well paid or under paid and this cannot even meet their basic needs.
“ So, with which money will they come here with to buy things?”
A former Staff of Bank of Industry, Mrs Virginia Okoro, suggested that government should improve the economic productivity and create opportunities for its citizens.
“What I mean is that government should invest in human capital potential and create jobs for women and young people.
“They should also increase financial access for people,” she said.
Our source confirmed that some exhibitors were still setting up their stands at the venue as at yesterday, just as visitors to many stands were just window shopping.
Queues were, however, seen at one of the stands where free noodles were being offered and at another Maggi stand where they got freebies.
The Tide also learnt that only few banks have registered their presence at the Tafawa Balewa Square, the venue of the fair.
UBA, Stanbic IBTC and First Bank were among those with stands.
International companies like HAVILAH Processing Company, Canada, Japan Motors, SUNSHINE Group Limited had also registered their presence at the fair which is expected to end on November 10.