As the World Economic Forum (WEF) opened on Wednesday in Abuja, economic activities dropped in the city following a directive by the federal government for government offices to close down.
The federal government on April 30, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting directed that all government offices be shut from May 7 to May 9 to ensure free flow of traffic during the World Economic Forum.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondents, who went round the city, discovered that many businesses including, filling stations, banks, markets and shops opened to customers, but recorded low patronage.
The places visited were Areas 1, 3 and 10 in Garki District, Garki 2, Wuse Market and Central Business District.
At the Area 3 banking complex, some banks, except Stanbic IBTC, Enterprise Bank and Union Bank opened for business but few customers turned up.
The banks that opened for business are GT Bank, UBA, First Bank, Diamond Bank and Fidelity Bank.
Mr Eze Nudubisi, a paint seller at the Building Material Market in Garki 2, said he had not made any sales as at 1p.m.
“However, I remain hopeful that there will be an upsurge in the number of people patronising commercial places during the remaining two days of the forum,” he said.
Similarly, Mr David Isiboi, a taxi driver, said that he did not want to come out because he was made to believe that there would be no movement of people.
“But as you can see, markets in the city are bubbling with activities,” he said.
Isiboi said the only downside for him was the low patronage as there were few people on the streets of Abuja.
“This has a negative effect on transport business in the city,’’ he said.
Alhaji Adams Maikudi, an operator of a Bureau De Change opposite the Sheraton Hotel at Wuse Zone 4, said patronage was low.
He said patronage had been very low in spite of fact that delegates to the forum are in town.
“I believe by tomorrow it will pick up because some might even be staying in this hotel,’’ he said.
However, Mrs Funmi Adeleke, a provision seller at Wuse Market, said there were lots of families taking advantage of the forced holiday to do some grocery shopping.
“When I set out to open shop this morning, honestly I was not expecting half of the people that came to my shop; I thank God for the patronage,” she said.
NAN reports that there is traffic blockage and diversion along Head of Service, Eagle Square and all roads leading to the International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hotel, Benue Plaza, and ThisDay Dome.
There is also heavy security at Sheraton Hotel, where the WEF Secretariat is situated.