Wuse Market Traders Appeal To Wike To Halt Shop Remodelling By AICL

Traders at the popular Wuse Market in Abuja have strongly opposed the ongoing construction of new shops within the market’s car park, as part of a remodelling project.

They appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Nyesom Wike, to intervene and halt the development being executed by the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL).

The aggrieved traders, who briefed newsmen on the sidelines of a peaceful protest on Monday, expressed concern that the new shops would obstruct access and reduce patronage.

They also called for the immediate dissolution of the current market union leadership, citing poor representation and a lack of transparency in decision-making.

Mr. Prosper Chinedu, a trader, stated that the new construction violates the original design of the market and restricts access to existing shops. He warned that the additional buildings could block vital access routes, posing a serious risk during emergencies.

“If a fire breaks out in this market, the Nigerian Fire Service will not be able to reach the scene,” Chinedu said. “We reject this construction and call for the resignation of the market executives so that fresh elections can be held.”

Another trader, Chief Samson Eze, lamented the lack of consultation with traders regarding major decisions, including service charge hikes and the ongoing construction project. He emphasized that the loss of parking space would discourage customers and negatively impact businesses.

“We are tired of the way things are being handled here. We want the FCT Minister to intervene urgently,” Eze added.

Mr. Judah Chukwuazago, who has operated in the market for over 20 years, decried what he described as ongoing deception, intimidation, and neglect by the market authorities. He also called for an investigation into the market’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and other questionable activities.

“We urge the government to investigate the illegal structures taking over our car park and blocking access to more than 1,000 shops. This must stop,” he said.

In response, the Chairman of the Wuse Market Traders Association, Mr. Raphael Okorie, defended his administration, stating that he has always acted in line with his official responsibilities and the association’s guiding principles.

He dismissed the allegations as attempt by detractors to discredit his leadership.

“I have nothing to hide and no grudges against anyone. I have even challenged government policies when traders’ interests were overlooked,” Okorie said.

Reacting to the development, the Spokesperson of Abuja Market Management Limited (AMML), Mr. Innocent Amaechina confirmed that there was a protest but noted that AMML had not received any formal complaint.

He explained that AICL had obtained approval to remodel existing spaces designated for shops, which were not previously owned by anyone. He also clarified that no demolition took place during the remodelling process.

“No shop was demolished because there was no need for any demolition. Not at all, none, to the best of my knowledge,” he stated.

“That was on Monday. There is a remodelling project currently underway in Wuse Market. Some components of the market, referred to as ‘glass shops,’ were not part of the original design. They were not sold because they weren’t supposed to be there.

“AICL got approval for remodelling. Everyone seemed okay with it until recently, when a few traders claimed during their protest that the new shops would block them. However, they didn’t write to AMML or AICL.”

According to Mr. Amaechina, plans are underway to hold a stakeholders’ meeting involving AICL, AMML, and the traders, with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the issue, an issue he attributed to a communication gap.

Nonetheless, the traders remained resolute in their demand for government intervention to stop the construction and restore order in the market.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji