By Ekunkonye Junior, Abuja
The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTs) Abuja chapter has expressed its admiration for the outstanding performance of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike. Led by the chapter’s Chairman, Ifeanyi Okonkwo, the traders praised the Minister’s achievements in infrastructural development, including roads, streets, schools, and market access roads.
Addressing journalists in his office in the nation’s centre of unity, Abuja, during the marking of June 12 Democracy Day, Okonkwo appealed to the Minister to utilize his office to expand existing markets or construct new ones, citing the need to accommodate thousands of apprentices who complete their training annually and require their own business spaces. He emphasized the importance of allocating shops in new or expanded markets to genuine traders, as this would help reduce the prices of goods by keeping shop rents affordable.
The chairman therefore explained that if shops are allocated to real traders, it would lead to lower prices of goods, as traders would not have to bear the burden of exorbitant rents. Conversely, if non-traders are given control of market stalls, he went on, they would likely rent them out at unaffordable rates, contributing to higher prices of goods.
Similarly endorses Minister’s performance, Dr (Mrs) Rachael Adewumi, the woman leader of the market association in Abuja, also commended Minister Wike for his performance. She urged him to use his office to empower traders, acknowledging their significant contributions to the economy. Adewumi emphasized the need for traders to support the present government at both the FCT and federal levels.
Adewumi’s call for trader empowerment highlights the importance of supporting the business community in the FCT. By empowering traders, the Minister can further boost the economy and improve the livelihoods of traders and their families.
The traders’ body reiterated its support for Minister Wike’s initiatives, expressing confidence that his leadership will continue to drive growth and development in the FCT. The Minister’s efforts to improve infrastructure and support traders have earned him widespread acclaim in the business community.
