Some exhibitors at the ongoing Jos National Trade Fair, have decried the low patronage, attributing it to the Ramadan and Lenten fasts.
Some of the exhibitors who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Jos on Friday, said they were hopeful that the fair would be extended.
Vivian Ankamah, a Ghanaian, said the patronage had been poor and called on the government to pay salaries early to enable people to participate in the fair.
“The few people that came to my stand liked my product, but all promised to come after salary payments,” said Ankamah.
Mr Anthony Bright, an exhibitor from Abuja, who deals on kitchen utensils, said the patronage was poor compared to the previous years.
“I know that patronage will improve after the fasting, and many people will come to the fair,” Bright said.
Mr Joseph Terry , from Lagos, a kitchen wares exhibitor, said that the combination of Ramadan and Lenten fasts had significantly affected sales.
“This is usually a peak period, but this year has been disappointing,” said Terry.
Mr Okay Sabastine, a Lagos-based house-hold products trader, highlighted the challenges of low turnout, with many visitors just doing window shopping and unable to buy.
“We invested heavily in this fair, but the returns are far below expectations,” said Sabastine.
Alhaji Abdullahi Sow, from Mali, who sells jewelleries, appealed to the government to extend the fair, arguing that an extended period would allow more people to participate.
Mrs Bolcit Balshep-Amakiri, a member of the trade fair organising committee, assured exhibitors that there would be an extension.
“Hopefully, salaries would be paid early to enable people to participate in the fair,” Balshep-Amakiri said.
