KADUNA — Market leaders in Kaduna State have appealed to the state government for financial support to help struggling traders recover from economic hardship and capital losses.
The call was made during a town hall meeting organised by the Kaduna Market Development and Management Company (KMDMC), aimed at addressing challenges facing traders and identifying practical solutions for growth and stability.
Chairman of Kasuwar Barci Market, Alhaji Bala Milton, lamented the neglect of traders by past administrations, which he said led many to abandon their businesses or relocate to neighbouring countries. He urged the government to extend direct financial assistance in the form of grants or interest-free loans, similar to the support provided to the agricultural sector.
“We traders have never experienced this kind of dialogue before. We raised our concerns, and they said they would take action,” Milton said. “People are ready to be helped. If the government steps in, Kaduna will move forward.”
Echoing similar concerns, Chairman of Kakuri Market, Aliyu Patengi, said high rents on newly built shops have discouraged traders from returning to the market. He noted that many business owners have yet to recover financially since the demolition of their previous stalls.
“The traders have been financially broken. Many have lost their capital. If the government could support us with loans or grants, it would help a lot,” Patengi stated.
Also speaking, the Women Leader of the Kaduna State Markets Association, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulaziz, applauded the meeting initiative and urged the government to pay special attention to the needs of market women through targeted financial aid.
Responding, the Acting Managing Director of KMDMC, Ahmed Shehu, said Governor Uba Sani had directed the agency to engage directly with market stakeholders to better understand their needs.
“His Excellency has specifically asked us to sit down with you, the marketers and traders, because you are his people and he doesn’t want anything to affect you,” Shehu said.
He assured the traders that their concerns would be relayed to the governor, and that sustainable solutions would be developed. He also promised that similar engagements would continue regularly to improve collaboration and the overall market environment.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving market infrastructure. She revealed that abandoned complexes and uncompleted buildings across the state would soon be completed and handed over to rightful owners.
“Ongoing efforts include road construction around key markets such as Panteka, and the establishment of clinics and ICT centres to enhance the economic activities and well-being of market users,” Fakai said.
