Exhibitors at the on-going 10th Abuja International Trade Fair have complained of low patronage because of the Eid el-Kabir holiday and called for an extension of the closing date.

The fair, with the theme: ‘Entrepreneurship as a Panacea for Economic Growth,’ opened on September 18 and ends on October 2.

The exhibitors, who complained about poor turnout of visitors and customers at the fair, urged the organisers to extend the fair to enable them to meet their expectations.

Mr. Okey Chukwudi, an exhibitor, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that people might have travelled for the celebration and as a result sales had remained low.

Chukwudi said unlike previous fairs, the patronage was very poor.

“The break is a long one so people will like to travel; the patronage is low so if the organisers can increase the days, I will be grateful.”

Another exhibitor, Mr. Paul Makama, said by the end of the month when salaries would have been paid, people might want to buy some goods.

Makama said many people were still waiting to receive their salaries.

“Most people that came to my stand like what they saw but promised to come back when they receive their salaries.

“I believe if we make good sales, we will be anxious to be here in the next one but if it continues this way, the sales will not be commensurate with the amount invested in securing even the stands.”

A visitor, who gave her name as Madam Mary, said she was at the fair to see what was available.

She said “the public holiday is long so I decided to come and feed my eyes.

“Well, when I receive my salary, I will come and buy some things I saw for my children.

“The problem I have is that some of the things are expensive so I believe when they have one or two days to close, the things might be cheaper.” (NAN)

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