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By Catherine Diakpemere
President of the Berger Business Community (BBC), Nnazor Chikelue, popularly known as Akaomajiaku, has offered an in-depth look into the structure, accomplishments and challenges of the sprawling truck spare parts market along Kirikiri Road in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Speaking during an exclusive interview, Chikelue, who has led the association since 2024, highlighted that BBC remains the only formally certified market association within the local government.
“We are recognised not only by the council authorities but also by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and our host community, giving us full legal and administrative standing,” he said.
He explained that the association’s jurisdiction extends from the Oba’s Palace to Trinity Junction near Fidelity Bank, marking its operational boundary with the Trinity axis. Stressing that BBC should not be confused with Ojodu Berger, he described the market as a distinct hub and the largest truck spare parts market in the Western region of Nigeria.
“We deal in all categories of truck and trailer spare parts, including Mercedes, MAN, DAF, and Scania. Both new and fairly used (Tokunbo) parts are available in large quantities,” he said, noting the market’s proximity to Mile 2 and Kirikiri Bus Stop enhances accessibility for buyers and transporters.
With about 700 registered members, many of whom also train apprentices, Chikelue said the market’s economic footprint extends well beyond commerce. “Our members create jobs, empower youth, and stimulate economic activity across the local government area,” he noted.
On governance, he stated that the executive tenure runs for three years and is renewable subject to members’ approval. But he admitted that managing a large, diverse membership comes with challenges. “Out of about 700 members, meeting attendance sometimes drops to just over 100. Yet, participation is key to collective progress,” he said. The most pressing challenge, he revealed, is inadequate space. “BBC operates partly as a street market due to the absence of a fully designated layout. Many large-scale dealers cannot bring in more goods because of space limitations. This has continued to affect business growth, and we have appealed to the government for intervention,” Chikelue said.
Despite this, he commended the council for maintaining cordial relations with the association. Addressing claims that the predominantly Igbo market community does not support the ruling party, he dismissed such notions as baseless. Quoting an Igbo adage, “Ebe onye bi ka ona awachi”, people protect where they have interests, he stressed that political alignment is driven by economic protection. BBC aligns with the All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels, he said, to safeguard business security and access government benefits.
Chikelue highlighted several achievements under his administration. “When I assumed office, the environmental sanitation of the market improved significantly. The transformation was so noticeable that even non-members commended our efforts,” he said. Infrastructure interventions, including the repair of a long-damaged culvert leading to the Mechanic Village and the rehabilitation of flood-prone roads, have improved accessibility. Drainage clearance and security measures, such as streetlights and surveillance cameras, have also been implemented to complement government efforts.
He further revealed that a longstanding internal dispute had been resolved through a peace committee comprising representatives of previously opposing factions. “This restored calm and strengthened our sense of community,” he said.
Looking ahead, Chikelue said the construction of a permanent office complex, a key campaign promise, is already underway. He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, stressing that annual programmes and projects are designed through consultation with stakeholders and executive members.
“I adopted this participatory leadership style from the Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government, where the council chairman regularly convenes stakeholders to seek their input. We are applying the same approach, encouraging members to contribute ideas so we can harmonise the best ones. Several initiatives are in the pipeline, which will be unveiled before the end of our tenure,” he concluded. Under Akaomajiaku’s leadership, BBC continues to consolidate its position as a commercial powerhouse, providing employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and sustaining one of Lagos’ most dynamic truck spare parts markets.
