Protest erupts in Abakaliki market over excessive charges, levies

Tension is mounting at the Ebonyi Integrated Building Materials Market, Abakaliki, as members of the Tile Dealers Association staged a peaceful protest over a N30,000 levy per shop and a N35,000 penalty for late payment, which they described as excessive and lacking transparency. The levy is reportedly for shop extension at the market.

The traders maintained that while levies are not unusual in market environments, their main grievance is the absence of accountability by the market leadership. They alleged that attempts to seek clarification on how the funds are generated and utilised are often met with hostility and silence.

According to them, traders are routinely warned to comply without questioning during meetings summed up in the dismissive phrase “just gebe nti” (just listen) a pattern they say, has deepened suspicion and resentment among members.

Augustine Ene, Chairman of the Tile Dealers Association, acknowledged that levies are typically meant to support market operations and maintenance. However, he described the N30,000 charge and the N35,000 late payment penalty as arbitrary and disproportionate to any visible services rendered.

He also condemned the alleged sealing of shops belonging to defaulters, calling it an unlawful enforcement tactic that had imposed severe financial strain on traders and fostered a climate of fear.

Ene appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru to urgently intervene and call the market leadership to order, warning that continued intimidation could escalate into a broader crisis within the market.

Solomon Oguji, Vice Chairman and Blessing Igwe, Secretary of the Tiles Dealers, also decried what they described as a total breakdown of transparency in the management of market funds. They insisted that traders have a right to know how their contributions are being used and should not be subjected to financial impositions without clear justification.

They further accused the leadership of harassment, verbal abuse, and issuing threats, including sealing shops without due process or giving affected traders an opportunity to be heard.

Sampson Nweke, a Member of the Association, commended Governor Nwifuru’s peace-oriented leadership style but expressed concern that the actions of the market authorities contradict the Government’s efforts to maintain stability in the State.

He called on security agencies to intervene promptly to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The protesting traders, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “We No Go Gree,” “Enough of Intimidation,” and “End Bad Governance,” marched peacefully through the market while chanting solidarity songs.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Chairman of the Integrated Building Materials Market for comments were unsuccessful.