Calabar – The annual Calabar Carnival Christmas Village is witnessing an upsurge in business activities in spite of the current economic recession in the country, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
A correspondent of NAN who visited the village, reports that traders are receiving and attending to buyers of various items.
Also, the hospitality and entertainment spots are blaring pop music to the delight of tourists and fun seekers.
A trader in the market, Mr Innocent Asuquo, told NAN that business was picking up gradually after some initial hitches.
“We thank God that things have started picking up even though a lot of people are complaining of lack of money.”
Asuquo said that the cost of rent at the village this year was too high and discouraging to some traders.
“The amount we paid this year was very high compared to last year and this has affected many of our businesses.
“I think it may be difficult to meet our expenses after the month-long activities; but we wait and see.”
Also speaking, a restaurant operator, Mrs Elizabeth Sunday, who admitted that business was booming but expressed dissatisfaction over the high cost of drinks from the dealers.
“Prices of all brands of drinks have increased and customers are complaining.
“This is my third year in this Calabar Christmas Village and I think I enjoyed the one of 2014 more than last year; and this year, may be because of the economic recession, but we trying, Sunday said.
Similarly, an Aba-based clothes dealer, Mr Greg Egbunike, told NAN that the village was bubbling with activities and that there was increased sales.
“I think market is moving even though everybody is complaining of lack of money; but people are coming and they are buying clothes,” Egbunike said.
NAN reports that rent for shops in the village ranges between N70,000 and N80,000 depending on the category and nature of business.