By Olubunmi Agboola
The hustle usually experienced on the eve of Ramadan in Ibadan markets seems to be absent this year as Muslim faithful deserted commercial centres due to the non-availability of naira notes.
A few Muslim faithful found in the market arena lamented the difficulties to purchase food items, fruits, and beverages needed to observe the 30 days mandatory spiritual obligation.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent, who went around some major markets in Dugbe, Ogunpa and Alesinloye, in the Ibadan metropolis reports that traders complained about the little or no sales compared to what was obtained in years past.
One of the traders, Mr Hassan Musa who spoke with Radio Nigeria, explained that, unlike the usual market rush for Ramadan in preparation for fasting, traders have experienced low patronage this year, due to a cash crunch.
“People are not coming to buy food items from us, due to cash problems which have affected their sales adversely”. He said.
Also, Mrs Basirat Amusan who trades in foodstuff at Dugbe market said despite the instruction from the supreme court to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to re-circulate the old naira notes in other to alleviate the suffering of the citizens, the challenge still persisted and had affected their businesses.
“Aside from the cash crunch, online transactions have also been another challenge facing both customers and we the traders and this is not encouraging”.
The traders, however, appealed to the government at all levels, to help proffer solutions to the masses, in other for all Muslim faithful to experience a fulfilling month of Ramadan.
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