Traders in Zuba International Market, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, under the aegis of the Zuba International Main Market Traders Association, shut down the market on Tuesday to protest the revocation of over 300 shops by Lion Property Consult Ent Ltd and the Gwagwalada Area Council. The traders, who said they had paid for verification and validation between 2022 and 2023 for a five-year term, are yet to receive their allocation papers.
The traders expressed frustration over ongoing discussions with the developer and area council officials, which they claim have yielded only threats and intimidation. Olumakinju Peter, Secretary of the traders’ association, highlighted their plight, stating, “We paid for Verification and Validation between 2022 and 2023 for a five-year term. Shortly after, we received notice of the revocation of over 300 shops without explanation. The developer, claiming authority from a PPP agreement with the Gwagwalada Area Council, has disregarded our efforts for dialogue, responding with threats.”
Peter recounted a previous incident in late 2023, where the developer attempted to remove roofs from shops stocked with valuables, an action halted by the Area Council after stakeholder intervention. The traders have since sought clarity on the developer’s engagement scope, only to be met with vague promises from the council.
On June 6, 2024, an emergency meeting convened by the Gwagwalada Area Council, involving security heads, PPP Markets/Parks committee members, and the developer, concluded with the directive for the developer to resume work. However, the council failed to address traders’ concerns or provide details of the developer’s mandate.
Despite instructions to involve the traders in any market activities, the developer has proceeded to paint shops without their consent. Rumors suggest a collusion between the developer and certain council personnel to claim the market’s renovation is complete, aiming to revoke all shop allocations and impose exorbitant fees of Five Million Naira per shop.
Efforts to reach the council’s vice chairman for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages. The developer, Agu Okechukwu Samuel, dismissed the traders’ complaints, asserting that the market belongs to the Gwagwalada Area Council and labeling the traders as a rebel group. Samuel suggested contacting the former association chairman for further information, noting a court order restraining him from acting in that capacity.
As of the time of reporting, the market remains closed as traders await a resolution to their grievances.
