Lagos markets shuts down for two days to allow for voter registration

Lagos residents aiming to procure foodstuffs and other items from markets across the state may experience some difficulties doing so after traders announced a two-day total shutdown of shops, stalls, and warehouses to allow them register and obtain their Permanent Voter Card (PVC) before the deadline date.
The traders said that markets would be closed on Wednesday and Thursday to further boost the number of collection and registration ahead of next year’s general election.
They added that the decision to embark on a two-day suspension of businesses for the PVC collection and registration was taken to prevent their members from being affected by the July 31st deadline announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Babaloja of Alaba Rago market 1, Ali Malami, who disclosed the development on Wednesday, said that the traders considered the PVC collection and registration important, forming the reason for their decision.
Malami explained that 24 hours would have been assigned for the exercise but that it was extended to Thursday to allow everyone to complete their registration before returning to their businesses.
He noted that many of the traders do not often have the time to go for the exercise due to demands for goods and services from customers that have completed their voter registration exercises.
This came days after the state government approved a four-day work-free exercise for staff to obtain and complete their registration exercise within their communities across the state.