The Anambra State House of Assembly has issued a directive to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, urging him to instruct the Special Adviser on Trade and Market, along with the Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), to initiate the construction of affordable local mini markets within the Awka metropolis.
The aim of this initiative is to tackle the issue of street trading and its associated impacts on the state capital.
Mr. Nigeria Henry Mbachu, representing Awka South 1 Constituency, who proposed the motion, highlighted the increasing poverty rate and emphasized the necessity of providing avenues for people to earn a livelihood.
Mbachu stated, “There are numerous neighborhoods within Awka metropolis that necessitate the establishment of local mini-markets to cater to the needs of the residents. Securing a shop within existing markets is nearly impossible, and the limited available shops are prohibitively expensive to rent.”
He further added, “Establishing mini-markets within Awka metropolis will help alleviate the proliferation of shanties and street trading while also promoting micro-businesses, aligning with the goal of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland.”
Currently, Awka has one major market in Eke-Awka, which is insufficient to accommodate the city’s population, leading to street trading becoming a prevalent option in other neighborhoods.
Several lawmakers, including Minority Whip Mr. Paul Obu (Orumba North), Chief Whip Hon. Jude Ngobili (Ihiala one), Hon. Patrick Okafor (Onitsha North two), Hon. Golden Iloh (Ihiala two), Hon. Anthony Mobuike (Aguata two), Hon. Bernard Udemezue (Ayamelum), and Hon. Emmanuel Nwafor (Orumba South), voiced their support for the motion. They emphasized the urgent need for affordable mini markets within Awka to curb street trading and enhance traffic flow.
Speaker of the Anambra Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, commended Hon. Nigeria Mbachu for his initiative, highlighting the importance of government, individuals, and corporate establishments collaborating to ensure the success of the mini market project in Awka.