By Paschal Emeka in Abuja
The District Head of Karmo Sabo in the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Yunusa Ashama Karmo, has appealed to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to halt any plan to demolish Karmo Market or forcibly relocate its traders to a privately owned modern market.
Karmo said the existing market had been part of the community for decades and had become a major source of livelihood for residents, particularly women and petty traders.
He said the market, which originally operated mainly on Tuesdays, had evolved into a daily commercial centre as more residents turned to trading following the decline in available farmland.
According to him, forcing traders to leave the existing market for a privately owned facility could create unnecessary social and economic challenges.
He argued that private investors should be allowed to market their facilities and attract customers and traders, rather than relying on compulsory relocation.
The District Head said he had earlier attended a meeting with officials of the Development Control Department where he presented the community’s position.
He said the authorities subsequently indicated that the market would not be relocated but that the community should explore partnership with the operators of the modern market.
Karmo, however, maintained that he could not, as a traditional leader, go around persuading traders to abandon the community market.
He appealed to Wike to intervene and allow the market to remain in its present location.
He stressed that the community was not opposed to modernisation but wanted the government to reconstruct and reorganise the existing market to meet modern standards.
He added that such reconstruction would enable traders operating by the roadside to move into the market and help reduce traffic congestion.
The District Head said the community was pursuing the matter peacefully and would continue to appeal to the relevant authorities.