By Our Lagos Correspondent<\/p>\n
Disturbed incessant demolition of markets in Lagos state, President of Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, has raised alarm over the increasing demolition of shops in Lagos markets, and what he described as systemic challenges affecting traders, particularly those of South-East extraction.<\/p>\n
Reacting to the ugly incident while fielding questions from Journalists,Ukatu, traced his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading figure representing over 58 major market associations in Lagos.<\/p>\n
He dismissed claims that demolitions in Lagos are targeted solely at Igbo traders, stressing that such assertions may be misleading.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will be wrong to categorize demolitions as targeting Igbo-owned shops. These demolitions occur in markets where different ethnic groups operate, even though Igbos are in the majority,\u201d he said.
\nHowever, he questioned the government\u2019s approach, accusing authorities of failing to follow due process.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of these buildings have existed for years with approvals. Why demolish them now without proper notice or differentiation between those who complied with regulations and those who did not?\u201d he queried.<\/p>\n
He cited a past incident at Alaba Market, where investigations revealed that while some traders had valid approvals, others did not\u2014yet demolitions were carried out indiscriminately.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis lack of proper engagement fuels suspicion and public outcry,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Katu also challenged the widespread notion of \u201cIgbo markets\u201d in Lagos.
\n\u201cThere is nothing like an Igbo market. What we have are markets where Igbos are the majority. Other ethnic groups are also present,\u201d he clarified.<\/p>\n
He noted that his association coordinates major markets across Lagos, including areas such as Alaba, Lagos Island, and Tejuosho.<\/p>\n
Describing his role as demanding, Ukatu said leading traders requires humility and patience.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are naturally independent-minded people. You don\u2019t control traders; you guide them. The challenges are enormous,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He admitted that traders themselves sometimes contribute to their problems.<\/p>\n
\u201cNon-compliance and lack of patience often give government the opportunity to act against us. Many traders are also ignorant of policies and procedures,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n
Katu strongly criticized the government for neglecting market infrastructure despite collecting revenue from traders.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo to the Trade Fair complex, the roads are terrible, there is no potable water, no proper toilets, no hospitals.
\nYet, government agencies are busy collecting revenue,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He argued that traders largely develop markets themselves, while authorities fail to provide basic amenities.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we pay taxes, we should see the dividends; good roads, security, water, and a conducive business environment,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n
On why many South-East traders prefer Lagos over investing in their home region, Katu blamed lack of infrastructure and poor policy implementation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe seaport is in Lagos. That is why we are here. If the South-East had functional ports and infrastructure, many traders would relocate,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He criticized the development of certain markets in the South-East, such as the proposed international market, stating that stakeholders were not consulted.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou cannot build a market without involving traders. That is why such projects fail,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Ukatu also pointed to insecurity, multiple taxation, and poor road networks as deterrents to investment in the region.<\/p>\n
He urged both federal and state governments to create an enabling environment for businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cProvide infrastructure, reduce port charges, ensure policy consistency, and stop exploiting traders. That is how to grow the economy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Ukatu advised traders to focus on leadership that prioritizes economic growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an association, we are apolitical, but we support any government that promotes the welfare of traders and makes business easier,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He encouraged traders to make informed decisions.
\n\u201cThink about your business and your future. Support leaders who will create opportunities, reduce costs, and provide an enabling environment,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Our Lagos Correspondent Disturbed incessant demolition of markets in Lagos state, President of Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, has raised alarm over the increasing demolition of shops in Lagos markets, and what he described as systemic challenges affecting traders, particularly those of South-East extraction. Reacting to the ugly incident while fielding questions […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15416,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15415","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-economy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15415","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15415"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15415\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15417,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15415\/revisions\/15417"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15416"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15415"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15415"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyechoes.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15415"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}