By Abdul Jelil Adebayo
The over 3000 traders at the Nyanya market, have kicked against the proposed relocation of the market from the present site to Gwagwalape, saying the movement would run them out of business.
The traders under the aegis of Nyanya Market Traders Association (NMTA) said the new site, that the managers of the market, Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, is suggesting in Gwagwalape, has nothing to show as a new market.
The traders expressed concern over the current state of the new site, which they observed, is in a deplorable state, insisting that the government should have a rethink about the hasty relocation of the market.
According to the acting Chairman of the association, Mr. Ikenna Madunnagu, the only visible sign on the present site is the clearance of bushes.
"There is no single infrastructure in place, the place is in the bush, and even the residents are finding it difficult to reach the place. It is out of business scene for us and it would certainly run us out of business if government insists we must go there. Sales will be low and lack of patronage would force some of us out of business," he said
He suggested that instead of taking them to a virgin land where there is no infrastructure in place, the traders are asking for the reconstruction of the market in phases. "If government can build the new market in Nyanya in phases, it will be better for both the traders and their customers."
To corroborate the position of the chairman, the acting secretary of the association, Mr. Chibuike Ani, said instead of taking the traders to Gwagwalape, the traders would prefer the use of Nyanya tipper garage, temporarily, pending the completion of the reconstruction in the present site.
One of the elders of the association, Mr. Onyeka Emele, however, said the chairman of AMAC has reassured the traders that nothing would be done by the council without taking them along. "We have been holding talks with the new chairman, Micah Jiba, on the situation, and he has reassured us that he would take the leadership of the association along should there be need to relocate the market now," he said.
Emele said the traders would even prefer if AMAC would allow them to be involved in the Public Private Partnership (PPP), so that it would be a joint venture between the traders, the PPP and AMAC.
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