Market Remodelling: No Shop Owner Will Lose a Shop in Aba — Gov. Otti Reassures Traders

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed that no existing shop owner will lose his or her shop in the ongoing remodelling of Ariaria International Market and Ekeoha Market in Aba.

Governor Otti gave the assurance on Thursday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium while receiving a delegation of the National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANT).

He stated that original shop owners would be granted the first right of refusal before any newly remodelled shop is allocated to others, stressing that he had already issued firm instructions to that effect.

“The first right of refusal will be given to existing shop owners. It is only when you decide that you do not want your shop that it can be sold to somebody else,” the Governor said.

He added that the directive was non-negotiable, warning that any action taken in violation of the policy would be reversed.

“That instruction is sacrosanct. Nobody can go against it. If I find out that people who had shops were not given their right of first refusal, I will reverse whatever has been done,” Governor Otti declared.

The Governor further assured the traders that the number of shops being constructed is sufficient to accommodate both existing shop owners and prospective buyers.

Recognising the current economic challenges across the country, Governor Otti disclosed that the state government had partnered with two to three banks to provide soft financing options for shop owners who may not have the immediate funds to pay for their remodelled shops.

“We understand the economic circumstances in the country. Arrangements have been made with some banks to provide financial accommodation for shop owners who may lack liquidity at the time,” he explained.

He emphasised that no trader would lose a shop simply because of financial constraints, noting that a shop would only be forfeited if the owner willingly chose not to take it.

Governor Otti, however, made it clear that the government would not allow traders to act as developers of the shops, citing concerns about quality and standard.

“Some people want to turn themselves into developers. It is not going to work. Our government does not compromise on quality, and I cannot guarantee the standard if traders develop the shops themselves,” he said.

The Governor directed the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, the Director-General of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and the Director-General of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) to ensure proper communication of the remodelling plans to traders.

“This is not a government that will be happy when people are unhappy. We want our people to be taken care of and not cheated. Nobody will be cheated under my watch,” Governor Otti concluded.

Earlier, the National President of the National Association of Nigerian Traders, Dr. Ken Ukoha, who led the delegation, including the chairmen of Ariaria International Market and Ekeoha Market, commended Governor Otti for his achievements, particularly in market development.

Dr. Ukoha said the association had heard positive reports about the transformation in Abia State and decided to visit to see the progress firsthand.

“We heard that Abia has changed for good. We heard that markets that were once plagued by flooding, dilapidation and poor road networks are now being transformed,” he said.

He noted that the poor state of the markets in the past had driven away traders from other West African countries, but expressed satisfaction with the improvements recorded so far.

“In the last two days, we have gone round and seen the giant strides. We want to say thank you. We also heard that you brought in technocrats, not politicians, and that there is someone in charge of ease of doing business,” Dr. Ukoha added.

In line with submissions by the market chairmen, the NANT president appealed to the Governor to allow traders to participate in the remodelling process to ensure that no shop owner loses a shop.

Also present at the meeting were the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters; the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Obiukwu; the Special Adviser on Trade and Commerce, Chief Nwaka Inem; the DG PPP, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke; the DG GADA, Arc. Uche Ukeje; the Senior Special Assistant on Ease of Doing Business, Barr. Agbonma Ukaobasi, and other top government officials.