Abuja Traders Groan Over Costs Of Market Shops

Petty traders in Kubwa, Bwari area council of Abuja have complained that shops and open spaces at the Maitama Ultra-Modern market are unaffordable, stressing that it is the reason they have continued to take the risk of selling along the road sides and open spaces.

The ultra-modern market had been rebuilt after the old one was demolished.

The task force from the Bwari area council had cleared the roads and compelled traders to move inside the market.

But some of the traders who spoke with THE WHISTLER said that life has been unbearable for them since they were moved out from where they used to stay; they also said that they could not afford the amount placed for each shop and space.

Recall that THE WHISTLER reported that the Federal Capital Territory Administration mandated the Task force to clear the roads so as to ease vehicular movements in Abuja as well as comply with the Abuja master plan.

THE WHISTLER learnt that to rent a shop at the market costs between 600,000 to 900,000 naira depending on the positioning of the shop; while the open spaces goes for 250,000 naira per year.

Maazu, a tomato seller, alleged that the new market was built for the rich as he cannot afford the amount.

“They moved us out of here and pushed us into the market. We the poor people cannot afford that market, it is for rich people. For me, I can’t pay that amount; the option I have is either to go home or go somewhere else to look for food.

“They said they don’t want people selling with barrows inside the market. And we can’t move around, if the task force catch us, they will seize our goods. What I do is to keep selling, when I see them I will have to hide,” he said.

Eze Angela, a foodstuff seller said she has nowhere to go to; she also lamented the amount fixed for the shops, adding that the council should give her a place to stay and sell her goods.

“I sell food stuffs. I have been here for 15 years. They should give us where to stay. They say they don’t want small tables. The open space cost 250,000; a shop cost 600,000 to 1000000,” she said.

Also, the Chairman of Igbo Traders Union, Ugwu Ignatius said that the management should consider the plight of the traders and intervene.

“We need peace here, the traders and the management of this market are like husband and wife. The market was built so that people could occupy it.

“We don’t have option but to do our business in the market, and we are trying to get a space where we can sell and feed our family,” he said.

In another development, THE WHISTLER   observed that people were at the management’s office within the market, to complain about their missing goods.

Peter Ukeje, who leads a union in the market, said that when some of the traders came to the market on Thursday morning, they alleged that their goods were missing.

“Since last week, the management has not called us concerning our missing goods; so we came here now to meet them.

“The management said they will communicate with the secretary of the Bwari area council and give us a feedback,” he said.

Meanwhile, the management of the Maitama market, Kubwa, headed by Mr. Aminu refused to speak with the website about the issues.