The Coordinator of Alaba Amalgamated Association, the umbrella body of 16 sections that make up Alaba International Market, Ichie Fabian Ezeorjika, has appealed to the Lagos government to remember its numerous promises to the market.

Ezeorjika who is also the executive chairman of Electrical Dealers Association of Nigeria (EDAN) said that one of the promises was to stop street trading along the road leading to the market.

He said that in spite of the narrowness of the road from Volkswagen bus-stop, street trading has helped in making the road impassable to motorists.

He, therefore, said that this is adversely affecting their businesses.

Ezeorjika said that they are doing their best as responsible Nigerians by being law abiding and fulfilling their civic responsibilities like in the payment of taxes as at when due.

He said that the Lagos State government should reciprocate their action by ensuring that they are doing their businesses in an environment devoid of traffic gridlock and other encumbrances.

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According to him, the Lagos State government had long ago promised to bring about free-flow of traffic from Ojo Local Government Area secretariat to Ajamagbadi, which has caused their being cut off from business.

He said since the promise was made up till now, nothing has been done, adding that instead of the traffic getting better, it is getting worse.

His words: “As partners in progress, traders in Alaba International Market are committed to peace and development of Lagos State. Even though the government is not really taking very good care of us as our place of business is nothing to write home about infrastructurally speaking.

“However, we are not deterred. The deplorable condition will not stop us from doing our best as good neighbours. As the coordinator of council of sectional heads, which is the highest organ in the market, I want to encourage the government to partner with us. The council of sectional heads, which I coordinate is made of 16 sections which include electrical, electronics, fancy and furniture, industrial and other sections. If government partners with these sections, most of the challenges plaguing Lagos State in particular and Nigeria in general would be solved. The promise of free-flow of traffic among other promises which the government made to us a long time ago has not been fulfilled”.

Contributing, the Vice Chairman of Electrical Dealers Association of Nigeria, Chief Ekene Samuel Umeh also appealed to the Lagos State government to declare war on street trading along the road.

He said that government should also try to maintain the road that is leading to the market, as well as put street lights as a way of enhancing security in the market.