Business activities in many parts of Lagos are yet to pick up after the New Year.

Our correspondent who monitored activities last Thursday reports that markets and the business districts in the metropolis were devoid of the characteristic hustle and bustle.

Most stalls in Balogun, Idumota, Ojugoro, Gorodomu and Oshodi main markets were locked, while the few traders that opened their stalls for trade recorded low patronage.

Mrs Anifat Oyekunle, Secretary, Lace Sellers Association, Balogun market, told our correspondent that the low patronage was the usual experience at this time of the year.

“The low patronage we experience shortly after the New Year is an annual thing.

“The sales boom we experience shortly before Christmas and New Year festivities is usually followed by a seemingly sales drought.

“It seems people spend so much money during the festivities without having a reserve for business transactions early in the year,” she said.

Also, Alhaja Kikelomo Goriola, the Vice President, Provision Sellers Association, Idumota, said that many traders did not open their stalls because they travelled out of Lagos to celebrate the festive season with their relations.

Meanwhile, traders dealing in school uniforms, stationery, school bags and shoes recorded remarkable sales in markets visited by our correspondent.

Mr Henry Okoro, a shopper at the Oshodi main market, told our correspondent that many parents were buying school items for their children and wards, in preparation for resumption.

At the Mile 12 market, however, it was business as usual as traders and shoppers were seen transacting business with the regular hustle and bustle.

Mrs Iyabode Junaid, Secretary, Pepper Sellers Association, Mile 12, told our correspondent that the low sales that characterised other markets after the New Year day did not extend to foodstuffs.

“We usually do not experience sales drought early in the year because we sell foodstuffs at Mile 12.

“People will always patronise us, whether they are buoyant or not, because food is essential for everybody; they cannot do without eating,’’ Junaid said.

She also said that the prices of commodities in the market had remained stable and was usually increased during festivities.