NANTS Seeks Subsidized Shops In FCT

The National Association of Nigerian Traders, NANTS, FCT has appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration to provide shops at subsidized rates for its members.

The Chairman of NANTS, FCT Chapter, Prince Edozie Ugwu made the appeal while speaking with newsmen in Abuja.

Prince Ugwu said the appeal became necessary in order to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the Territory.

He stated that the traders over the years are major contributors to the economy of Abuja hence the need for them to be given special consideration in owing shops and business premises in the nation’s capital.

According to him, FCT NANTS is the first informal sector to start a pension scheme for its members, noting that the Association through its mass housing scheme has provided over seventy homes for its members.

While expressing concern over the multiple taxation faced by its members especially in the current economic downturn, the Chairman also appealed to the FCT Administration to provide soft loans for NANTS to help boost the businesses of its members.

Prince Ugwu also frowned at the displacement of traders at different locations in the Territory, following the demolition of their business premises pointing out that one of the achievements of NANTS is the reduction of hawkers on the streets, by giving them legitimate shelter in different markets across the Territory.

He reiterated the commitment of the Association towards contributing its quota to the economic development of FCT and the country in general.

Edited By Grace Namiji