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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has appealed to the Federal Government to extend its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transport initiative to traders in FCT and beyond, arguing that the measure would ease rising transportation costs and help stabilise the prices of goods across the country.
The association also called for improved security around markets nationwide, provision of basic amenities in markets, and stronger collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to tackle indiscriminate roadside trading and hawking.
Speaking at the NANTS FCT Chapter Traders’ Summit in Abuja, National President of the association, High Chief (Dr.) Ken Ukaoha, said traders remained critical to Nigeria’s economy and should be recognised as key partners in national development.
He said the removal of fuel subsidy had significantly increased transportation costs for traders, with the added burden ultimately passed on to consumers through higher prices of goods.
Ukaoha urged the Federal Government to provide CNG buses and other affordable transportation options to traders through the association.
“We note that while other bodies have benefited from the Federal Government’s CNG initiative, traders, who are directly affected by the fuel subsidy removal, were left out. It is only imperative that this be urgently reconsidered in the spirit of partnership in national development,” he said.
The NANTS President also commended the FCT Administration for what he described as remarkable infrastructure development, especially road construction and rehabilitation in satellite towns.
He particularly praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for providing visible infrastructure that has improved access to markets and enhanced commercial activities.
He said the pace of development under the minister has renewed confidence in governance and made it easier for traders to conduct their businesses.
While applauding the achievements, Ukaoha expressed concern over the growing incidence of roadside trading, hawking and the activities of touts across the FCT, describing them as threats to public safety, environmental aesthetics and law enforcement.
He said the association was prepared to work with relevant authorities through advocacy, sensitisation and lawful enforcement but called on government to strengthen and legitimise the activities of its task force to ensure orderly and humane enforcement.
He further appealed to the Federal Government and the FCTA to provide essential facilities such as toilets and potable water in markets, stressing that such amenities are critical to public health and the dignity of traders.
On insecurity, Ukaoha said persistent attacks on communities, highways and markets had disrupted supply chains, increased the cost of doing business and discouraged investment.
He cited cases of traders killed while transporting goods and attacks on markets, including incidents in Maiduguri, and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect strategic markets and commercial corridors.
“The security of our markets is directly linked to the security of our nation’s economy,” he said.
Ukaoha reaffirmed the commitment of traders to ethical business practices, compliance with government regulations and efforts to keep the prices of goods as affordable as possible despite prevailing economic challenges.
He called for greater collaboration among government, traders and other stakeholders to build a more secure, prosperous and inclusive trading environment across the FCT and Nigeria.
