Mararaba traders laud Nasarawa gov’t for free shops

Traders at the new Muhammadu Buhari International Market, Mararaba in Nasarawa State have praised the state government for allocating to them shops in the area for free for the next three months. A cross-section of traders in the market, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nasarawa said the gesture would boost […]

Traders at the new Muhammadu Buhari International Market, Mararaba in Nasarawa State have praised the state government for allocating to them shops in the area for free for the next three months.

A cross-section of traders in the market, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nasarawa said the gesture would boost their businesses.

The traders said the shops were given to them for the period because they could not afford the rent.

Mrs Victoria Umeh, a trader, said the market was not occupied for a long time due to high rent until the government came up with the free allocation.

“I was given the shop for a short time. The governor, his Excellency Governor Tanko Al-Makura, said we should enter for free and we are glad.

“Though they have not told us how much we are to pay after the free period of three months, he had earlier called us and said that we should pay but we said we didn’t have money.

“So he said we should enter free of charge for now for the period of three months.’’

Umeh, however, appealed to the government to extend the grace period from three months to a year so they could save enough money to afford the rent.

She noted that there was low patronage because people sold in front of the market thereby restricting buyers from entering inside.

Umeh called on the government to put an embargo on those who sold by the roadside and those who hawked outside in order to compel buyers to enter the market to shop. (NAN)

Ms Rosaline Musa, another trader, confirmed that the shop was given to her without paying a penny by the market leaders after filling a form.

Musa commended the government for the kind gesture, adding that it would help her to raise money pending when payment would commence.

An official of the market, who spoke with NAN on condition of anonymity, said the prices of the shops were still under dispute at the state level.

He said the amount to be paid would be communicated to the traders before the free period expires.

He also noted that plans were on to partner with security agencies to chase traders from the roadside into the market.

“The director is presently with the Governor of Nasarawa State discussing how to chase traders from the roadside, especially those without shops,’’ he said. (NAN)