There was palpable excitement and widespread jubilation at Obollo Afor Market earlier today as the Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, Aka Eze Aka, conveyed the directive of the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, abolishing daily taxes imposed on petty traders and hawkers across the state.
The Chairman, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Market Development, Hon. James Atama, led a delegation from the Council to an interactive session with the Executive Committee of the Obollo Afor Market Traders Association (OMTA) at their Multi-Purpose Hall.
Mr. Herbert Nnaji
OMTA Secretary, delivering the opening remarks at the interactive session
During the meeting, the delegation formally communicated the Governor’s directive, which immediately sparked an outpouring of joy among the traders. In a spontaneous show of appreciation, members of the Association rose in unison, chanting solidarity and endorsement songs for Governor Mbah’s second tenure, as well as expressing support for the continued leadership of Aka Eze Aka.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, the Chairman of the Association, Prince Alexander Eze, lauded the Governor’s people-oriented policy and pledged the loyalty of the market community. He assured that the traders would not only comply fully with the directive but would also report any individual or group attempting to undermine the order to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Prince Alexander Eze
Chairman OMTA
In a symbolic demonstration of acceptance and awareness, the OMTA Executive Committee joined the Council delegation in a market-wide sensitization exercise. Moving through various sections of the bustling market with microphones, they announced the immediate ban order.
At every stop, the announcement was met with loud cheers, singing, and expressions of gratitude, as traders hailed Governor Mbah for what they described as a bold and compassionate intervention. The atmosphere was choral, with large crowds gathering to celebrate the development.
It would be recalled that just last week, Governor Mbah ordered the immediate cessation of daily taxation on vulnerable traders, including hawkers and those operating without permanent shops. The directive was issued during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on the harmonisation of revenue collection in markets across Enugu State, held at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu.
Represented at the meeting by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Governor emphasized that such categories of traders require protection, not exploitation. He declared the collection of daily levies such as N100 or N200, from petty traders illegal, warning that violators would face strict legal consequences.
Hon. James Atama addressing the Association leaders
To ensure full compliance, the Governor also announced the establishment of a monitoring task force and called on local government authorities, traditional rulers, market leaders, and community stakeholders to report any breaches.
However, he clarified that the directive does not affect traders operating in lock-up shops, who are still required to pay annual levies of N30,000 for street shops and N36,000 for market stalls.
Today’s development at Obollo Afor Market marks a significant step in the grassroots implementation of this policy, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to easing the economic burden on vulnerable citizens while promoting fairness and accountability in revenue collection across the state.
✍️ AkaEzeAka Media Team.
