MARKET REFORMS: NIGER GOVT MOVES TO RESTORE ORDER IN NEW MARKET
By Aishat Dauda Lambata
The Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Abdulrazaq Mua’azu Jikantoro (Jakadan Borgu), convened a stakeholders’ meeting with heads of market traders and officers of the Niger State Fire Service, at the fire service Headquarters Minna,to discuss strategies for repositioning New Market (Sabon Kasuwa) for greater development and sustainability. The meeting also focused on finding lasting solutions to the challenges confronting traders and emergency responders.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the market’s pressing issues.
“This meeting is to synergize with all stakeholders on how we can move the market to a greater place and also find permanent solutions to the problems being faced,” he said.
“I want to assure you that every problem mentioned here today will be looked into and addressed accordingly.”
The Niger State Fire Service Controller, Mr. Madaki, raised serious safety concerns, noting that, there is no designated parking space for fire service vehicles, most access roads within the market are been blocked by road side traders, and attempts to sell fire service facilities posing significant risks. He further disclosed that critical facilities had been compromised, including the sale of the market clinic, and the sell of fire service station located at Kasuwan Gwari, endangering lives and property.
Following this, Hon. Yahaya Tellar (Suturan Minna),who’s one of the market leader, attributed many of the market’s challenges to the actions of certain Local Government officials and some market executives. “Most of the problems being faced in the market are caused by certain local government Executives and some market officials,” he said.
In response, the Commissioner announced plans to strengthen emergency response, pledging, “I am committing to donate a fire service vehicle to the fire service station to enhance safety and rapid response within the market.”
He also issued a firm warning against illegal acquisitions, stressing,
“Anyone found guilty of illegally buying or occupying a space in the market will have such land or shop revoked without hesitation.”
Market leaders expressed appreciation for the Commissioner’s interventions, describing his commitments as a renewed source of hope and reassurance of the government’s readiness to restore order and improve the market environment.
The Commissioner concluded by thanking all stakeholders for their participation and continued support, emphasizing collective responsibility in achieving success under the New Niger Agenda of the Farmer Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago.
