Traders operating at the renowned Calabar Christmas Festival Village are voicing deep frustration over a challenging business environment during this year's celebrations. Despite the event's national and international acclaim, many vendors report that high operational costs combined with surprisingly low customer turnout have made turning a profit nearly impossible.
Stall Fees Skyrocket, Squeezing Vendor Profits
The most pressing issue highlighted by multiple traders is a dramatic increase in the cost of renting stall space. Muhammad Abubakar, a footwear and jewellery seller with over 15 years of experience at the festival, revealed a shocking price hike. He explained that a double-canopy space which previously cost between N40,000 and N50,000 was now priced at up to N75,000 for a single canopy, with some premium spots going for N100,000 or more.
"Something we paid N40,000 to N50,000 for last year is now triple or even four times higher," Abubakar lamented. He argued that such a steep increase was unreasonable and directly impacts the prices consumers pay. "If the government allows us to pay less for space, we can also sell at lower prices. But with these costs, we cannot sell at a loss," he stated, urging the Cross River State Government to review the charges.
Mrs Chibuzo Arinze, a toy seller who travels from Lagos and also boasts 15 years of participation, confirmed the financial strain. She disclosed her stand cost jumped from N60,000 last year to N100,000 this year. While grateful for the customers she did have, she joined the appeal for reduced fees to ease the burden on vendors.
Low Patronage and Logistical Hurdles Compound Problems
Beyond the exorbitant rents, traders are grappling with a significant drop in sales. Abubakar described this year's performance as "down compared to last year and previous years." He attributed this to the broader economic climate, with customers frequently complaining about unpaid salaries and a high cost of living.
Tessy Eniang, a food vendor, echoed the sentiment of poor sales, noting that business was only slightly better on Sundays. "Even our expenses, we have not been able to recover them," she said. Eniang also raised serious allegations of poor coordination and discrimination during the stall allocation process, claiming that indigenes of Cross River State were sometimes sidelined in favour of others.
Other vendors, who chose to speak anonymously, pointed to additional issues:
- A significant increase in the number of vendors, leading to fierce competition for customers.
- Poor stall positioning and blocked access points that reduced foot traffic in parts of the village.
- The financial desperation of traders who took loans to secure stands but now cannot repay them.
Calls for Reform to Secure the Festival's Future
Despite the current difficulties, traders universally acknowledge that the Calabar Christmas Festival Village, now in its 20th edition and running for 32 days, remains a vital economic hub. It attracts visitors from across Nigeria and offers a unique platform for businesses in food, fashion, toys, jewellery, and entertainment.
The consensus among the experienced vendors is a clear call to action for the authorities. They urge the Cross River State Government to engage more directly with traders, critically review the pricing structure for stalls, and improve the overall management and coordination of the festival village. They stress that lessons from this year's experience must inform planning for future editions to ensure the longevity and mutual benefit of the growing Calabar Carnival brand.
