Ariria Market Remodeling Not To Displace Traders, Abia Govt Clarifies

The Abia State government has reassured traders at the Ariaria International Market that the remodeling initiative of the market is not intended to displace them.

Instead, it aligns with the developmental agenda of Governor Alex Otti, to modernize the Market and make it more habitable and business-friendly.

Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, gave the assurance on Monday when he conducted a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing construction of temporary relocation shops designed to accommodate affected traders during the implementation of the redevelopment plan.

He clarified misinformation circulating among traders about a purported full-scale demolition of the market, describing such rumours as false and unfounded.

“Anyone who is saying that the whole shop in Ariaria International Market will be demolished at the same time, I’m here as the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce to assure you nothing like that”.

He assured the traders that the current administration would never destroy their means of livelihood, saying, “I assure each and every one of you that His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti will not do anything that will destroy your businesses.”

He emphasized that the remodeling will be phased, and the next stage will not begin until the first set of relocated traders are resettled back in their newly constructed shops.

Hon. Nwokocha further praised Checkbest International Limited for the progress made so far.

“I want to appreciate you for the job you’re doing to relocate our traders. We now know that there’s a place they will be relocated to. And I want to assure the traders that this place will be completed.”

He urged continued collaboration between the developer and the market leadership to ensure peace and orderliness.

Also speaking, Chief Nwaka Inem, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, explained that the inspection was primarily to confirm that the relocation shops are adequate for the temporarily affected traders and not for permanent business settlement.

“The most important thing which is why the State Government came here for the inspection is that the relocating shops are adequate to accommodate the traders that will be temporarily affected, and if it’s not adequate, we’ll ask the developer to do more,” he stated.

Chief Inem noted that about 800 traders would be affected in the first phase of the remodeling, clarifying that 800 traders do not necessarily equate to 800 shops, as some shops accommodate multiple traders.

“One shop might have more than 10 traders, so what we’re looking at is the structure that will accommodate them,” he said.

He requested the developer, Mr. Chideozie Njoku of Checkbest International Limited, to give a timeframe for the completion of the temporary shops to aid the government in making final relocation decisions.

Chief Inem also urged the developer to collaborate closely with market leaders to ensure the provision of essential features such as doors, safety measures, and access roads.

He emphasized the improved condition of the temporary shops compared to the traders’ current environment.

“These temporary side (shops) is far better in terms of safety, conduciveness, and environment. These temporary shops indicate that traders have limited time to stay here while they move back to what they can call a permanent trading standard market.”

Clearing misconceptions, Chief Inem stated: “Let me now correct one impression before the public that the Governor did not give any contract to any person.

“What the government is doing is to process some developers and concession some areas of the market, and we did not give it to one single person. The Government did not guarantee any loan for any developer.”

He added that the developer is responsible for sourcing funds and must show both financial and technical capacity to complete the project in alignment with the state’s master plan.

“We are dealing with a developer that has shown capacity financially and technically to build what is befitting to Abia traders because our traders deserve the best,” he said.

Chief Inem concluded that the Otti-led government aims to upgrade the business environment in the state to meet international standards.

“We want Abia traders who travel overseas to also feel the taste here of what they witness in other countries abroad, and the minimum comfort and safety is achievable here,” he added.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of Ariaria Market, Deacon Michael Ogbonnaya Aniorji, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Alex Otti and all government officials present. He described the initiative as timely and much needed, stating that the traders will be the ultimate beneficiaries. He confirmed that the leadership and traders have accepted the temporary relocation while calling on the developer to provide more shops to meet demand.

The CEO of Checkbest International Limited, Mr. Chideozie Njoku, assured that the company will meet the required conditions within the stipulated timeframe. He addressed the issue of misinformation that had earlier disrupted the smooth flow of communication, assuring that details of the relocation plan and progress updates will be published on the company’s official website.

“We believe everything has been in accordance with the series of meetings we’ve had with the tripartite committee and the government coming in to stand their feet with what we want to do,” Mr. Njoku said.