The traders now partake in other businesses.

The second hand clothing market in Kaduna has virtually collapsed since the ban on the materials by the Federal Government, an official of Association of Second Hand Clothing Marketers, has said.

Abdullahi Sani, the Treasurer of the association at Kasuwar Barci Market, Kaduna, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday that the supply of the goods had reduced considerably.

This, he said, had forced some of the marketers to supplement their income with other trades. He said the Kasuwar Barci market has over 5,000 shops all let out to dealers and traders of the second hand material. He said patronage has gone down significantly as most of the traders lack the capacity to bring in the required clothes to satisfy customers.

Mr. Sani said the problem of the marketers had been compounded by the recent 85 per cent increase in shops charges by the Kaduna State Government. He appealed to the federal government to assist members of the association with loan with which to diversify and contribute to the economy.

The treasurer called on members of the association to remain law abiding and support the federal and state governments to move the country forward.

(NAN)