Traders in Calabar, Cross River, have decried the prevailing low downturn in the country’s economy, saying it had adversely affected business in the markets in the city.

Some of the traders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Sunday that they had been recording poor sales in recent months, adding that the situation had negatively affected their lives and families.

Mr Sunny Iweze, a dealer on electronic appliances, said that his business had plummeted in the last three months, adding that the situation had compelled him into take some austerity measures in running his family.

“People complain of lack of money since the change of government at the federal and state levels.
“Sometimes, I stay three to four days without selling anything. How can one survive under this condition; life is just too hard now,’’ he said.

Mr Jude Omang, who sells household items, said that the poor sales he now recorded had forced him to close one of his shops.
Omang disclosed that many of his customers complained that there was not enough money in circulation in the state.

“Most of my customers are public servants; they complain that there is no money in circulation because government has not released money,” he said.

Mr Ignatius Ugwueze, a dealer in building materials told NAN that no government agency had requested him to supply materials for projects since the new administration assumed office.

“We make good money from such supplies but there is no call for any now,” he said.
A dealer in plastic materials, Mrs Folake Ajeromi, described the situation as ‘’very terrible’’, adding “now we come here only to sleep.”