…ESMATA hails end of Monday sit-at-home, improved market infrastructure and unified tax system as governor unveils cargo terminal, Idodo International Market, direct China imports
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Market leaders across Enugu State have declared their support for Governor Peter Mbah’s re-election bid, citing improved trading conditions, investments in market infrastructure and policies they said had strengthened commercial activities across the state.
The traders, under the aegis of the Enugu State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ESMATA), made their position known on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting with the governor in Enugu. The meeting attracted chairmen and secretaries representing more than 50 markets across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the association, its president, Chief Chinwuba Igwesi, said traders across the 17 local government areas had become more confident in the administration because of what he described as tangible improvements in the business environment.
Igwesi particularly commended the governor for restoring normal commercial activities following the disruption caused by the illegal Monday sit-at-home, which had forced traders to close their businesses and suffer substantial financial losses.
He said the return of regular trading on Mondays had enabled market operators to conduct business throughout the week, recover lost trading opportunities and improve their earnings.
The ESMATA president also praised the administration for providing transformers to markets experiencing electricity challenges, rehabilitating internal market roads and installing solar-powered streetlights to enhance security and extend commercial activities.
Other interventions acknowledged by the traders included the construction of toilet facilities, the provision of utility vehicles to market leadership and the appointment of some market leaders into government positions.
Igwesi further expressed appreciation for pilgrimage opportunities approved for some market leaders, describing the various gestures as evidence of the administration’s recognition of traders as important contributors to the state’s economy.
According to him, Mbah’s background in business has helped shape his understanding of the challenges confronting traders, particularly the need for reliable infrastructure, a favourable business environment and policies that support commercial growth.
Unified Tax System, Local Patronage Earn Traders’ Applause
Addressing concerns over taxation, Igwesi dismissed claims of a general tax increase, explaining that the administration’s approach involved consolidating tax payments into a unified system.
He said traders were more willing to meet their tax obligations when they could see public revenue translated into infrastructure and other development projects.
The ESMATA president also reported improved business prospects in the building materials sector, attributing part of the growth to the governor’s directive that contractors handling projects in the state should patronise local suppliers whenever the required materials were available in Enugu.
He said the policy had helped retain more commercial transactions within the state, increased patronage for local businesses and strengthened the capacity of traders to benefit from government-funded projects.
Igwesi also lauded the administration’s investment in healthcare infrastructure, particularly the ongoing international hospital project, which he said had impressed him during a visit.
Describing the facility as a demonstration of the scale of development underway in Enugu, he expressed confidence that such investments would improve the state’s profile and support its broader economic ambitions.
‘No Opposition in Our Markets’
Reaffirming the traders’ political position, Igwesi declared that the governor’s performance had strengthened his administration’s standing among market operators ahead of the next governorship election.
He urged Mbah to remain focused on delivering development, assuring him that the market community would stand behind his re-election bid.
“When the time comes, your work will speak for you,” he said, before declaring: “No opposition in Enugu State.”
The market leaders, in a collective expression of support, said their assessment of the administration was informed by improvements in market infrastructure, the resumption of normal trading activities and policies they believe have created better opportunities for businesses.
Mbah Unveils Cargo Terminal, Direct China Imports
Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the market leaders for their support and reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding commercial opportunities, strengthening infrastructure and positioning Enugu as a major destination for business and investment.
He disclosed plans to establish a cargo terminal at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as part of efforts to improve the movement of goods and connect local businesses to international markets.
The governor also announced plans for direct cargo operations between Enugu and China, saying the initiative would enable traders to source goods more directly and potentially reduce the costs and difficulties associated with existing import channels.
He said the proposed arrangements were intended to strengthen access to international supply chains, improve the competitiveness of Enugu-based businesses and expand the state’s participation in global commerce.
Mbah also highlighted the ongoing construction of the Idodo International Market, describing it as part of a broader strategy to expand commercial infrastructure and create more opportunities for traders, investors and other economic operators.
According to the governor, the administration is pursuing a deliberate expansion of Enugu’s economic space through infrastructure development, improved connectivity and investments designed to attract new commercial activities.
ICC, Security Central to Enugu’s Economic Ambition
The governor said efforts to reposition Enugu as a leading economic and administrative centre also informed the construction of the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu.
He explained that hosting major conferences, national gatherings and other high-profile events would attract visitors and businesspeople, creating additional opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders and other service providers.
Mbah stressed, however, that infrastructure alone would not be sufficient to achieve the state’s ambitions without a secure environment.
He said the administration was working to strengthen security and create conditions in which businesses could operate confidently and visitors could travel to Enugu without fear.
The governor maintained that security, infrastructure and economic planning were interconnected priorities in the effort to establish Enugu as a competitive destination for investment and commercial activity.
Reaffirming his long-term economic vision, Mbah said his administration was targeting an expansion of the state’s economy from an estimated $4 billion to $30 billion.
He linked the ambition to increased productivity, investment attraction, stronger local enterprises and the creation of more economic opportunities for residents.
The governor also assured the traders that their interests would remain an important consideration in policymaking, drawing on his business experience to underscore his understanding of the pressures associated with sourcing goods, meeting financial obligations and sustaining commercial operations.
He said his administration would continue to pursue policies aimed at supporting traders and expanding their contribution to the state’s economic development.
Government Officials Attend Meeting
The meeting was attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Liaison, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Mr. Vincent Onyeaboor; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Frank Anioma.
The engagement provided a platform for market leaders to commend existing interventions and discuss further measures to improve commercial infrastructure, strengthen access to goods and expand business opportunities across Enugu State.
The traders’ declaration of support adds a significant political dimension to the administration’s engagement with one of the state’s major economic constituencies, as market operators weigh government performance against the practical realities of running their businesses.
For the Mbah administration, the challenge will be to translate its announced plans for international trade, market development and economic expansion into measurable benefits for traders and residents across the state.
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