NANTS Call for Justice over the Demolition of Shops in Anambra State - The National Association of Nigerian Traders NANTS

NANTS Appeal for Consideration and Justice over the Demolition of
Markets in Anambra State.
The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) notes with concern the recent
demolition of market areas in Anambra State under the administration of Professor Charles
Soludo. We represent thousands of traders whose livelihoods are directly tied to these
markets, and we have a duty of direct care and responsibility to ensure their interests are
protected.
We acknowledge and equally concede that the affected area was originally designated as a
motor park in the market’s master plan. However, it is also on record that Local Government
Authorities subsequently developed these areas into shops and sold them to traders, many of
whom were misled into investing millions of Naira in good faith. We further note that markets in
Nigeria are domiciled under the control and management of Local Governments as succinctly
enshrined under the 4th Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. By this conferment of
responsibility and ownership, we therefore see our traders not falling foul of the law when the
bought shops from the Onitsha Local Government in this instance.
While the State Government may be enforcing the State’s master plan, which we commend, it
cannot, however, absolve itself in absolute terms, of responsibility for the losses suffered by
these traders, who now face economic dislocation, property loss, and livelihood disruption.
The Local Government has collected bulk sales fund and has been collecting regular rents on
these shops as revenue for a while. We therefore appeal to the Government to consider the
path of equity and justice, and perhaps tamper justice with mercy by activating a responsive
duty of care, fairness and understanding, in order to provide succour to her citizens. In doing
so, the Government of Anambra State will be seen as toeing the path of justice, while also
protecting the economy of the State.
To this end, we therefore specifically demand as follows:
1) Compensation for Traders: We appreciate the government’s effort in enumerating
affected traders and shops. In fact, this is a clear pathway to justice. Since the traders
investments of purchasing these shops were originally through the Onitsha Local
Government Area which has competent jurisdiction to do so in line with the provisions of
the 4th Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, we therefore urge and appeal to
the Anambra State Government to consider a compensation mechanism to the affected
traders who have been turned victims of such (mis) allocation embarrassment by the Local
Government. Secondly, this compensation must also be made promptly in order to
cushion the impact of the demolition on these innocent, unsuspecting traders; and this
2)
would create a human face and improve the way citizens deem and or appreciate their
Government. Thirdly, this compensation must also reflect the actual investments made by
traders as this will ensure fairness and justice.
Development of New Shops and Fair Reallocation: Traders who previously owned
shops must receive priority in the allocation of new or reconstructed shops. Allocation
processes should be transparent, equitable, and affordable, preventing displacement by
wealthier or non-genuine investors.
Temporary Relief Measures: Government should consider making provision for
temporary trading spaces to allow traders who were affected by the demolition to continue
business operations during reconstruction. Additionally, we recommend the granting of tax
waivers and other reliefs to ease the burden of this transition period.
3) Our Advise to Traders:
i. NANTS calls on the affected traders to conduct themselves wisely and with restraint in
all affairs relating to the demolition and remodeling exercise. Traders should cooperate
with the Anambra State Government to ensure that their means of livelihoods are
secured. While we express commitment to the security and protection of all traders,
especially those affected in the demolition, NANTS would expose any and every trader
found or observed in any conduct signaling or promoting breach of peace in the State.
ii. We urge all traders to, henceforth, exercise due diligence and conduct thorough
investigations before making future investments in shop acquisitions. Such prudence
will help prevent recurrence of untold losses and protect their livelihoods.
iii. We further appeal to those whose shops were not in any way affected by the
demolition to kindly find ways of creating spaces to temporarily accommodate others
during the period of reconstruction. The spirit of unity and kindness would be
appreciated by God and man. All for one, one for all!
In conclusion, NANTS reiterates that traders are not opposed to modernization or adherence
to master plans. However, development must be implemented with a human face, with
fairness, compassion, transparency and accountability. We therefore call on the Anambra
State Government to act promptly in compensating affected traders, ensuring transparent
reallocation of shops, and restoring their confidence in governance.

Signed:
For: National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS)
Sir Don Chris OKERE
South-East Zonal Coordinator.