Coronavirus: Nigerian Traders In China Town Lament Decline In Sales Following Virus Outbreak

By Edna Wande Last updated Feb 29, 2020

Following the outbreak of Coronavirus in Lagos on February 28, Nigerian traders in China Town, Ojota, Lagos, have complained of a decline in sales.

During a visit by SaharaReporters to the place on February 28, it was discovered that buyers were beginning to desert the complex as many Nigerians have been in panic mode since the outbreak on Friday morning.

Traders in China Town said that though no Chinese individual in the complex had been diagnosed or suspected of having the virus, measures are already in the place to curb the spread of the disease through the use of protective measures.

Speaking to news correspondent, a trader who identified herself as Mrs Sylvester, said that Nigerians were afraid of coming to China Town to purchase goods.

While she stated that the information was inaccurate, the trader urged government to thoroughly screen people coming into the country, saying;

We do not really know who has it or do not but we are taking measures. Chinese nationals coming into the country should be thoroughly checked before allowed to leave the airport. Due to the virus, people are no more coming in, they are scared of Chinese people.

Buying goods in China Town has become a taboo while the government deports them. China Town is very dry, people are scared and it is affecting Nigerians selling goods in the market.

Another trader, Mr Godwin, confirmed that since the news of the virus went viral, traders in China Town had been experiencing poor sales.

Godwin, who blamed poor sales on misinformation and rumour by the people, explained that;

In China Town, we are calm because most of the Chinese that travelled have not returned, that means this place is free of the virus. It’s true that the virus has been affecting our trade as there had been serious decline.

Some people were misinformed that the Chinese here had the virus but it is purely fake news. People fear a lot and work with incorrect information.

On a contrary opinion, a cloth seller at China Town, Michael Chidom, attributed the low patronage at the complex to economic issues and not the outbreak of the virus.

He stated that;

I won’t say the decline in customers coming here is the virus, I’ll say maybe it is ‘pocket virus’ that is affecting the people from patronising us, not Coronavirus.

He however, urged the government to intensify screening of travellers coming into the country to control the infection rate.

Others traders have however, called on the government to ensure the safety of everyone through preventive measures, in order to prevent further spread.

According to data from Worldometers, the official death rate of people under 50 years old was only 0.2 per cent.

As of February 29, China has recorded over 79,257 cases of Coronavirus and more than 2,835 deaths and 39,152 total recovered cases