Enugu Govt Moves to End Market Crisis and Multiple Taxation in Enugu East LGA

 

...As SSA on Market Affairs, Dr. Chinedu Mbah, Leads Strategic Visit to LG Chairman Engr. Beloved-Dan Anike Ahead of Market Reforms in Timber and Abakpa Markets.

In a strategic move aimed at restoring peace in Timber Market and ending multiple taxation in Abakpa Market, the Enugu State Market Monitoring Team, led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Affairs, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Pastor Beloved-Dan Obi Anike.

The visit, which preceded the team’s tour of both markets, was held at the local government headquarters and attracted key officials and stakeholders. It served as a high-level engagement to align the state's market sanitation agenda with the local government’s efforts in addressing long-standing issues affecting traders in the area.

Welcoming the delegation, Chairman Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Anike expressed delight at the visit and lauded the team’s proactive approach. He described the intervention as timely and necessary, noting the pressing need to curb illegal levies and resolve the leadership crisis that had destabilized Timber Market.

In his address, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah outlined the purpose of the visit, stating that the mission was in direct alignment with Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s vision of building an inclusive, transparent, and trader-friendly market environment across Enugu State.

"We are here to actualize His Excellency’s directive, to stop multiple taxation in Abakpa Market and restore peace in Timber Market, which has been rocked by a protracted leadership crisis. The governor is determined to ensure fairness, dialogue, and unity in every market,” Dr. Mbah said.

He emphasized that Governor Mbah’s administration remains committed to listening to the concerns of traders, ensuring their protection, and creating a conducive environment for commercial growth and prosperity.

In his response, Chairman Anike commended Dr. Chinedu Mbah for his consistency and dedication to market development, recalling his active role during the 2023 gubernatorial campaigns, particularly his efforts in mobilizing traders, organizing market unions, and playing a central role in the 2-Million-Man March that electrified the state.

"This appointment is not just important but highly strategic. Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah’s grassroots connection with the market community makes him the right person for this job,” the chairman stated.

He also used the opportunity to appeal for the appointment of Market Liaison Officers at the local government level, who would serve as direct representatives of the SSA’s office and help ensure real-time coordination and feedback between markets and the state government.

 “The governor made a wise decision in appointing Dr. Chinedu Mbah. With this kind of leadership, we are confident that our markets will become more peaceful, organized, and productive,” Chairman Anike added.

The meeting concluded on a note of mutual commitment, with both parties pledging to work together to implement the governor’s reform agenda across all markets in Enugu East LGA.

This meeting laid the groundwork for the successful visits to Timber and Abakpa markets later in the day, where traders welcomed the state government’s interventions with songs, dances, and visible joy, marking a new chapter of hope, peace, and progress for the market communities.