Traders At Wuse Market Take To The Streets In Protest, Submit Petition To Wike

Traders and proprietors at Abuja’s Wuse Market are expressing indignation over the contentious sale of prime shops and stalls within the market premises…….CONTINUE READING

The affected traders have taken swift action by submitting a petition to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urgently seeking intervention to halt the ongoing sale. According to the traders, the prices for these shops were arbitrarily raised to an exorbitant N60 million per shop, a sum they argue is beyond their financial means.

Investigations conducted by the Global Information Team (GIT) intelligence desk unveiled that this initiative was spearheaded by the previous Group Managing Director of AIPDC, without involving the Abuja Market Management Limited (AMML). Traditionally, AMML is the exclusive subsidiary entrusted with the oversight and management of markets in the FCT.

Anabel Crown, the head of the GIT intelligence desk, emphasized that the actions of the AIPDC leadership have raised concerns about the integrity of the AMML. She urged Minister Wike, who recently resolved a crisis within the AMML, to assume control of the matter and empower AMML to oversee the management of Wuse Market moving forward.

The traders pointed out that the eviction notice and subsequent sale took them by surprise during a period of relative stability in the market. They are apprehensive that the new owners might significantly escalate the rental rates once they assume ownership.

In a bid to address their grievances, the traders have forwarded their petitions to various authorities, including the FCT Minister, FCT administration, National Human Rights Commission, and the EFCC. Despite the challenges, they remain optimistic that the relevant authorities will intervene to ensure fairness prevails in this matter