Market leaders in Kaduna have appealed to the state government to provide financial relief to struggling traders through grants and interest-free loans, citing widespread economic hardship and loss of capital.
The appeal was made during a town hall meeting organized by the Kaduna Market Development and Management Company, aimed at addressing the challenges faced by traders and exploring solutions.
Chairman of Kasuwar Barci Market, Alhaji Bala Milton, lamented the neglect suffered by the market community under previous administrations, which he said forced many traders to abandon their businesses or relocate to neighboring countries.
“We traders have never experienced this kind of dialogue before. We raised our concerns, and they said they would take action,” Milton said. He urged the government to offer direct financial assistance, similar to support extended to the agricultural sector, to empower local businesses and boost the state’s economy. “People are ready to be helped. If the government steps in, Kaduna will move forward,” he added.
Kaduna Market Leaders Highlight Challenges as Authorities Pledge Continued Engagement and Support
Echoing the concerns, the Chairman of Kakuri Market, Aliyu Patengi, highlighted the impact of high shop rents, noting that many traders could no longer afford to operate in the newly built market facilities. He said that before the previous administration demolished shops, the market thrived due to affordable rents. “The traders have been financially broken. Many have lost their capital. If the government could support us with loans or grants, it would help a lot,” he said.
Also speaking, the Women Leader of the Kaduna State Markets Association, Hadiza Abdulaziz, praised the agency for organizing the dialogue and urged the government to listen to market women and provide grants to ease their burden.
In response, the newly appointed Acting Managing Director of the Kaduna Market Development and Management Company, Ahmed Shehu, said the initiative was in line with Governor Uba Sani’s directive to directly engage with traders and understand their concerns.
“His Excellency has specifically asked us to sit down with you, the marketers and traders, because you are his people and he doesn’t want anything to affect you,” Shehu said, assuring them that their concerns would be reported back to the governor and addressed appropriately.
He also promised that such stakeholder engagements would be held regularly to strengthen collaboration and improve market systems across the state.
Stay informed and join the conversation on how government aid can revive local markets. Visit LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng for more updates on stories that matter.
…by Ani Juliana.
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will