Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has assured traders affected by ongoing market redevelopment projects in the State that none of them would be shortchanged.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Thursday in Umuahia during a meeting with the National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigerian Trades.
The Governor who pledged fairness, transparency and strict adherence to safety standards in the remodelling process, stressed that the primary objective of his government is to ensure a clean and safe environment in schools, hospitals, markets, industrial areas and public institutions across the State.
He explained that unsafe structures, including some buildings at the Ekeoha Shopping Centre, were identified and ordered demolished to avert possible collapse and loss of lives.
On the ongoing remodelling of a section of Ariaria International Market, Governor Otti noted that although the project was not initiated by his administration, it is being supported to ensure its successful completion.
The Governor reaffirmed that existing shop owners would enjoy the “first right of refusal” in the allocation of newly constructed shops and disclosed that he had issued a directive to that effectve, warning that any violation of the directive would be reversed.
“No trader will lose a shop because of temporary liquidity challenges. You will only lose your shop if you choose not to take it”, he said.
The Governor disclosed that arrangements had been made with some banks to provide soft loans to traders who may face financial constraints in acquiring the new shops.
Governor Otti ruled out allowing traders to construct the shops themselves, citing the need for quality control and compliance with approved standards.
He added that the redesigned markets would accommodate more shops than previously existed to meet growing demand.
The Governor however, acknowledged a communication gap regarding the project and directed relevant officials to intensify engagement with stakeholders to ensure better understanding.
He reiterated that his administration would not tolerate injustice and urged anyone with grievances to channel their complaints through appropriate authorities for redress.
Earlier, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Traders, Dr Ken Ukaoha, urged Governor Otti to ensure justice and fairness in the ongoing market remodelling projects, pointing out that displacement of original shop owners would amount to injustice.
Dr. Ukaoha said traders across the country support the redevelopment initiative but insisted that due process must guide implementation.
He emphasised the need for full involvement of existing shop owners in the redevelopment process, noting that although markets constitutionally belong to the State, allocation rights had historically been granted to traders.
The National President proposed transparent engagement on reconstruction costs and structured payment plans to ease financial pressure on traders and described such measures as essential for a mutually beneficial outcome.
He, however, commended the Otti administration for visible improvements in infrastructure and the business environment.
According to him, the delegation toured several parts of the state and observed remarkable improvements compared to previous years, including better electricity supply, improved road networks and rehabilitated markets, which have attracted traders from within and outside Nigeria.
“We heard that Abia has changed. We heard that there is light, that the roads have improved and that markets that were once flooded and dilapidated are being restored.
“We came to see for ourselves and we have seen the changes”, he said.
Dr. Ukaoha reaffirmed the association’s support for reforms aimed at promoting development and pledged continued collaboration with the Abia State Government.
