By Elizabeth Godwin
Traders at the Zone 3 Neighbourhood Centre in Abuja have voiced frustration over what they describe as worsening conditions for business in the area.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, the traders lamented that the market has suffered neglect for years, lacking basic amenities, while shop rents continue to soar.
A furniture dealer, Mr. Obiora Iheanacho, said that the temporary market space has created serious parking challenges for both traders and customers.
“Most of us deal with furniture, but the shops are too small, and it is making our operation difficult,” he said, urging the government to construct modern shops that meet the needs of traders.
Another trader, Mr. Obiora Okeke, called for the removal of abandoned vehicles in front of the complex to ease congestion.
“It is a safety hazard and a major inconvenience. We need a solution to this parking problem to ensure that our customers can access our shops easily,” he said.
Mrs. Blessing Joseph, who also trades in the market, described the high cost of shop rentals as a major burden.
“I am struggling to keep up with the annual costs of rent, which are between N1.5 million and N2 million. We need more affordable options to survive,” she said, appealing for government intervention to regulate rent prices.
Similarly, Mrs. Martha Ubeh decried the poor sanitary conditions around the market.
“The state of the toilets is embarrassing and unhealthy. We need better sanitation facilities to maintain a clean and healthy environment,” she said.
The traders urged the authorities to take urgent action to rehabilitate the centre, provide essential facilities, and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
