By Uzor Odigbo
The ever busy commercial city of Lagos is currently without the usual business activities following the nationwide protest against hunger in the country.
Most major markets in Lagos were shut over fear about the activities of hoodlums taking advantage to vandalize shops.
It was also gathered that in the Lagos Island, Idumota, Balogun, Ereko markets, those who opened for business did not record customers. This forced most of them to close so early and go home.
In some other major markets, like Alaba International, Trade Fair, ASPANDA, the gates of the markets were also closed to avoid area boys taking advantage to loot people’s shops.
At Ladipo market which is known for spare parts, Computer Village in Ikeja, shops were also closed.
At Lagos seaports, though all the Commands of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) opened for business, freight forwarders stayed away from clearing any consignment, even as customs officers and members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) had earlier assured that they would be ready to be at the ports for work.
A freight forwarder disclosed that it would be risky to take delivery of containers and be on the road at a time of protest because of criminal elements.
Although there is heavy presence of the Police and soldiers, many traders and their customers decided to stay back in their homes to avoid running into criminal elements taking advantage of the protest to rob.
Many civil servants were also believed to have stayed away from work as a result of the protest.
A source said many people want to first watch the situation before going for business or work.
Meanwhile, many Nigerians were reported to have gathered under the Bridge at Ikeja to start the protest which is expected to last for 10 days.
The protest is as a result of the economic hardship faced by Nigerians