Trade Fair Complex: APT seeks govt intervention on roads, electricity

By Bianca Iboma-Emefu

The Association of Progressive Traders (APT) has appealed to the Federal Government to complement the infrastructure provided by private traders at the International Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, with urgent intervention in roads, electricity and other critical facilities.

The appeal came during the commissioning of a fully equipped medical clinic, laboratory, emergency ambulance and upgraded shop blocks by the association at the complex on Thursday.

The development, largely funded by the traders, was presented as evidence of what organised private-sector investment could achieve, even as stakeholders stressed that government intervention remained necessary to provide the wider infrastructure required for businesses to thrive.

Former APT President, Dr. Jude-Ringo Okeke, who hailed the current leadership for leaving behind lasting infrastructure, called for greater government attention to the trading community.

Okeke noted that traders had invested significantly in improving their environment despite limited government support, urging the authorities to reciprocate by addressing major infrastructure challenges confronting the complex.

He said improved roads, reliable electricity and other basic infrastructure were essential to unlocking the full economic potential of the Trade Fair Complex and easing the burden on businesses operating there.

He also urged greater involvement of traders in government policy-making, stressing that those directly engaged in commerce should have a stronger voice in decisions affecting the trading environment.

Okeke further charged the incoming APT president, to be elected in December, to build on the achievements of the present administration and raise the standard of infrastructure and services available to traders.

APT President, Chief Eric Ifeanyichukwu-Ilechukwu, described the newly completed projects as a major milestone for the association, saying the facilities demonstrated its commitment to the welfare and safety of traders.

“I feel so fulfilled. My heart is so happy today,” he said, stressing that the provision of healthcare facilities was particularly important because “health is wealth.”

He urged traders to make effective use of the clinic, laboratory and ambulance while taking responsibility for protecting and maintaining the facilities for future generations.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the International Trade Fair Complex, Chief Mrs. Veronica Ndanusa, a lawyer, commended APT for upgrading its section of the complex.

Ndanusa said the new shop blocks, modern secretariat, clinic, laboratory and ambulance aligned with the development standards expected within the trade fair environment.

She added that initiatives by organised private associations could complement government efforts to create a safer and more prosperous environment for businesses.

Meanwhile, APT Chief Security Officer, Chuka Christian Mekaowulu, said adequate security measures had been put in place to protect the new infrastructure.

According to him, the APT section has recorded no security incident for more than seven years, while high-definition CCTV cameras operate round the clock alongside dedicated mooring teams and day-and-night security personnel.

A Catholic priest dedicated the newly commissioned facilities during the ceremony.

The ceremony commenced at 10:00 a.m. with a Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Onyelo Peter Chijoke, of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Archangel Catholic Church, Abulado, Satellite Town.

The commissioning therefore not only marked the completion of APT’s latest infrastructure projects but also renewed calls for the government to address the wider infrastructure deficit at the International Trade Fair Complex, particularly roads, electricity and other facilities critical to sustaining commercial activity.

Among those in attendance were the project engineer, Emmanuel Akinpelu, who supervised the construction of the facilities; the association’s Chief Security Officer, Chief Chuka Christian Mekauwulu; members of the Board of Trustees; representatives of Fidelity Bank and Taj Bank as well as staff, traders and other guests.

Stakeholders described the new secretariat as a symbol of unity and progress for the association.