Enugu Traders Declare Total Support for Mbah’s Second Term, Say ‘No Opposition in Our Markets’
…ESMATA hails end of Monday sit-at-home, improved market infrastructure, unified tax system
…As governor unveils cargo terminal, Idodo International Market, direct China imports plan
Traders across Enugu State have declared total support for Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s second-term ambition, citing his administration’s development strides, market-friendly policies and interventions aimed at improving the business environment.
The traders, under the aegis of the Enugu State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ESMATA), made the declaration on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting between the governor and chairmen and secretaries of more than 50 markets across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, ESMATA President, Chief Chinwuba Igwesi, said the governor’s performance had strengthened their confidence in his leadership, assuring him of the market community’s support ahead of the next governorship election.
According to him, traders across the 17 local government areas of the state have witnessed improvements in commercial activities and market infrastructure under the present administration.
Igwesi particularly commended Mbah for ending the illegal Monday sit-at-home, which he said had inflicted significant financial losses on traders by disrupting business activities.
He explained that the restoration of normal commercial activities throughout the week had enabled traders to open their shops daily, recover lost income and improve their businesses.
“The end of the Monday sit-at-home has brought tremendous relief to our members. Before now, traders lost a whole day of business every week because they were afraid to open their shops. Today, we can trade freely and attend to our customers,” he said.
The ESMATA president also praised the governor for providing transformers to markets experiencing electricity challenges, asphalting roads within markets and installing solar-powered streetlights to improve security and facilitate commercial activities.
He further appreciated the administration for constructing toilet facilities in markets, providing utility vehicles to market leadership and appointing some market leaders into government.
Igwesi also acknowledged the governor’s approval of pilgrimage opportunities for selected market leaders, describing the gestures as evidence that the administration recognises the contributions of traders to the state’s economic development.
He said Mbah’s background in business had enabled him to appreciate the challenges confronting traders, including rising operating costs, access to goods and the need for a conducive environment to sustain their livelihoods.
“Governor Mbah understands the business environment because he has been a businessman himself. He knows what it means to invest money, buy goods, pay workers and struggle to make a profit. That understanding is reflected in some of the policies his administration has introduced,” Igwesi stated.
On taxation, the ESMATA president dismissed concerns over alleged general tax increases, explaining that the government had introduced a unified tax payment system to simplify collections and reduce the burden of multiple payments.
He said traders were willing to pay their taxes because they could see the impact of public revenue in infrastructure and other development projects across the state.
“We are not opposed to paying taxes. What matters to us is transparency and the judicious use of public funds. When traders see roads being constructed, markets receiving attention and other infrastructure being provided, they will have greater confidence in the government,” he said.
Igwesi also commended the administration’s directive requiring contractors handling projects in Enugu to purchase construction materials from local suppliers where such materials were available within the state.
He noted that the policy had increased patronage for local dealers, particularly those in the building-materials sector, helping to retain more business transactions within Enugu.
The ESMATA president further praised the governor’s investment in healthcare infrastructure, recounting his experience during a visit to the international hospital project.
“The international hospital project is so impressive that when I visited the facility, I felt as though I had travelled to Dubai. It shows the level of development the governor is bringing to Enugu State,” he said.
Declaring the traders’ position on the next governorship election, Igwesi maintained that Mbah’s performance had given him a strong advantage over potential opposition candidates.
“When the time comes, your work will speak for you. We are proud of what is happening in Enugu State, and we assure you that the market community will stand firmly behind you,” he said.
The market leaders, in a show of solidarity, reiterated their support for the governor, declaring: “No opposition in Enugu State.”
They urged Mbah to sustain the pace of development and continue to prioritise policies that improve the welfare of traders and other residents.
Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the market leaders for their support and assured them that his administration would intensify efforts to expand economic opportunities, improve infrastructure and position Enugu as a leading destination for business and investment.
He disclosed plans to establish a cargo terminal at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to facilitate the movement of goods and connect local businesses directly to international markets.
The governor also announced plans for direct cargo operations between Enugu and China, explaining that the initiative would enable traders to import goods more conveniently and at competitive rates.
According to him, the initiative would reduce the difficulties traders encounter in sourcing goods, improve access to international supply chains and strengthen the competitiveness of businesses operating in the state.
Mbah also highlighted the ongoing construction of the Idodo International Market, describing it as part of his administration’s broader strategy to expand commercial infrastructure and create more opportunities for traders and investors.
He said the government was deliberately investing in infrastructure and connectivity to open up Enugu to increased commercial activities and international business.
“We want to make it easier for our traders to access goods directly from international markets. With the cargo terminal and direct cargo operations between Enugu and China, our people will have better opportunities to import goods and grow their businesses,” the governor said.
Mbah further explained that his administration was working to restore Enugu’s historical prominence as a major political, administrative and commercial centre in the South-East.
He cited the construction of the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, as one of the strategic projects designed to attract national conferences, major events and business gatherings to the state.
According to him, such events would attract visitors, investors and businesspeople, creating increased patronage for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders and other service providers.
The governor, however, stressed that adequate security remained essential to achieving the state’s economic ambitions, noting that investors and visitors could only be attracted to an environment where lives and property were protected.
He reaffirmed his ambition to grow Enugu’s economy from an estimated $4 billion to $30 billion, saying the target would be pursued through increased productivity, strategic investments, infrastructure development and support for local businesses.
Mbah also assured the traders that their interests would remain a priority, promising that government policies would be designed to support legitimate commercial activities rather than undermine them.
“My experience in business has given me an understanding of the challenges traders face. We know the importance of creating an enabling environment where businesses can thrive, jobs can be created and families can earn a decent living,” he said.
The governor maintained that traders remained critical partners in his administration’s economic development agenda and assured them of continued engagement on policies affecting their businesses.
Those present at the meeting included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Liaison, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah; Senior Special Assistant on Security, Mr. Vincent Onyeaboor; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, High Chief Frank Anioma.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the government and market leaders to review existing interventions and discuss further measures to improve market infrastructure, expand access to international trade and strengthen commercial activities across Enugu State.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
