Market leaders in Kaduna have appealed to the state government to provide financial relief for struggling traders through grants or interest-free loans, citing rising economic hardship and loss of capital as major challenges.
The plea was made during a town hall meeting organised by the Kaduna Market Development and Management Company to engage stakeholders on challenges facing traders and possible solutions.
Chairman of Kasuwar Barci Market, Alhaji Bala Milton, lamented that previous administrations had failed to support market communities, forcing many traders to abandon their businesses or relocate to neighbouring countries.
“We traders have never experienced this kind of dialogue before. We raised our concerns, and they said they would take action,” Milton said, calling for direct support similar to interventions provided in the agricultural sector.
Aliyu Patengi, Chairman of Kakuri Market, also highlighted the burden of high shop rents, noting that many traders could not afford to return to newly built shops after demolition by past administrations.
“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,” he added.
Women Leader of the Kaduna State Markets Association, Hadiza Abdulaziz, praised the initiative and urged the government to support women traders with grants.
Responding, Acting Managing Director of the Kaduna Market Development and Management Company, Ahmed Shehu, said Governor Uba Sani had directed the agency to engage directly with marketers and traders.
“Shehu assured that the concerns raised would be reported to the Governor, and solutions would be explored. Regular town hall meetings will continue to strengthen collaboration between the government and market stakeholders,” he stated.
Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing abandoned market complexes and upgrading infrastructure.
“Ongoing efforts include road construction around key markets like Panteka and the establishment of clinics and ICT centres to support economic activity and trader well-being,” she said.
