Lagos traders transform vehicle lay-by into bustling market

The Berger lay-by in Lagos, intended as a brief rest stop for vehicles, has evolved into a vibrant marketplace. Traders now display food, drinks, clothing, and phone accessories, creating a hub of commerce.

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For now, the business is not thriving because we are in the rainy season. So, it’s not much for now. Maybe from October, November, business can pick up. But for now, the sales are not coming up.

This transformation offers a crucial source of income for many traders and provides commuters with convenient access to goods. Kingsley Ifeanyi, who has sold ice cream and operated a Point-of-Sale service at the lay-by for nine years, estimates daily earnings of around N20,000, though he notes a decline during the rainy season. He highlights that roadside vendors allow for price negotiation, a key draw for customers facing economic hardship.

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There’s no money in the country. Like now, you can price. But at the supermarket, you can’t price.

Another trader, selling snacks and fast food, reported daily earnings between N5,000 and N10,000, attributing the popularity of roadside vendors to their convenience for hurried commuters. However, he also observed a recent decline in sales, linking it to reduced cash flow in the economy.

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Especially when they are in a hurry or actually hungry, they cannot wait to go down the street looking for a place to eat. They will just pick it up.

Despite the economic benefits, traders face challenges. Morenikeji Olanrewaju, selling goods since 2022, expressed concern about enforcement actions by the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade. She noted that customers prefer the lay-by due to lower prices compared to supermarkets. The situation highlights a tension between economic necessity, public utility, and regulatory concerns in Lagos.

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Probably, the flow in the system or in the economy is somehow affecting some people.