Some traders in the Ibadan metropolis have expressed mixed feelings over the ongoing nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The traders, in their separate interviews in Ibadan on Monday, said the strike would, in no doubt, affect their sales.

Basirat Lawal, a pepper seller at Challenge, expressed sadness over the strike, saying it would have a telling effect on her sales.

Ms Lawal said she did not operate a bank account, as this would limit the number of customers she could attend to.

“I don’t have a bank account. Even before this strike, I used to lose some customers who don’t have cash to pay, but with this strike, I know my sales will drop because banks have also joined the strike,” she said.

Abdulmalik Musa, a fruit seller at Molete, expressed the hope that the strike would yield results.

According to him, the NLC must ensure that the strike effectively achieves its desired goal.

“Now that they have started the strike, they should continue and see it to its logical conclusion,” he said.

Mr Musa expressed full support for the workers demanding a new minimum wage, saying that, after all, the politicians, who he alleged were doing nothing, were getting so much.

Ajoke Busari, a fish seller, urged the federal government to constitute a committee to maintain price control in the country.

Ms Busari noted that the fish business was no longer lucrative due to high prices, stressing that some of her colleagues had been forced to quit the business.

“To me, the demands of NLC and TUC should include increasing workers’ salary and reducing the cost of things so that the money can make an impact on everyone, not just the workers,” she said.

Omobonike Ayinde, a foodstuffs seller at Molete market, said when workers were paid better, it would have ripple effects on the entire Nigerians.

“Their monthly or weekly purchases will increase, and so will our sales, while credit purchases will stop or reduce drastically.

“When workers receive good payment, it’s not just them that will enjoy it; it will cut across,” she said.

(NAN)