Some shop owners in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, have expressed dissatisfaction over the compulsory closure of their businesses during weekly market days observed in various communities across the metropolis.
Investigations by Niger Delta Herald revealed that several indigenous communities in Yenagoa enforce customary directives requiring shop owners and other business operators to shut down their establishments on designated market days.
A survey conducted by our correspondent showed that Mondays and Thursdays are observed as market days in Swali, Tuesdays in Okaka, Wednesdays in Agbura and Agudama, Fridays in Opolo and Igbogene, Saturdays in Kpansia, while Sundays are reserved for the Ovom community market.
The practice, which has been in existence for decades, is aimed at encouraging patronage of local markets and preserving traditional customs. However, many business owners argue that it has become a major obstacle to commercial activities in the rapidly growing state capital.
Some affected traders who spoke with Niger Delta Herald described the practice as outdated and detrimental to economic growth, noting that it affects sales, reduces productivity, and limits business opportunities.
Mr. Eze Okechukwu, a shop owner, lamented that the mandatory closure of businesses on market days has negatively impacted his income.
“We pay taxes and other levies to government, yet we are compelled to shut down our businesses on certain days. This affects our earnings and discourages business expansion,” he said.
Another trader, Mr. Tarilaye Ogun, described the practice as inconsistent with modern business realities, urging community leaders and relevant authorities to review the custom.
“Yenagoa is developing into a commercial city. Practices that hinder businesses should be reconsidered. Investors may not be comfortable operating in an environment where businesses are compelled to close based on traditional directives,” he stated.
The traders further argued that the practice runs contrary to the principles of fairness, justice, and free enterprise, especially in a state seeking to attract both local and foreign investments.
They called on the Bayelsa State Government and relevant stakeholders to engage community leaders with a view to finding a balance between preserving cultural heritage and promoting economic development.
According to them, the continued enforcement of the market-day closure policy could discourage prospective investors and slow down the pace of commercial growth in the state capital.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Ebieri Jones, were unsuccessful as calls made to his mobile phone were not answered as of the time of filing this report.
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