Niamey traders close Grand Marché shops over Socogem rent rise
Some shopkeepers at Niamey's Grand Marché stayed shut in recent days to protest a sharp rise in shop rents set by Socogem.
Traders at the Grand Marché in Niamey, Niger, are protesting a sharp rise in the rent on their shops. The increase was decided by Socogem, the company that builds and manages the markets. In protest, some traders did not open their shops in recent days.
The traders say the rent increase lands on businesses already struggling in a difficult economic situation. Niger's Minister of Commerce met both sides early in the week to try to defuse the dispute.
The packet does not report any agreed outcome from that meeting, or any revised rent figures.
Why it mattersTraders renting shops at the Grand Marché in Niamey face higher rent payments to Socogem, the company that manages the market.