.png "GG NEWS")
Northern Youth Peace and Reconciliation Initiative of Nigeria has called on Lagos State Government to take urgent steps to address the plight of Northern traders operating in the state, following recent demolitions and intimidations at Alaba International Market, Lagos.
In an open letter
addressed to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, the National Chairman of
the group, A. A. Lawan Uba, stressed that Northern traders remain a vital part
of Nigeria’s economic backbone, contributing significantly through commerce,
trade, and tax payments, noting that the continued harassment, insecurity, and
unfair treatment of traders particularly Northerners, threaten not only
individual livelihoods but also the overall national economy.
The letter
highlighted the recent incident at Alaba International Market, Lagos, where
many Northern traders, during or after the demolition were attacked, their
shops vandalized, and goods worth billions of naira destroyed. According to
Uba, the violence was a painful reminder of the insecurity and risks faced
daily by traders in Lagos.
1. Strengthen
security measures in major markets across the state, particularly where
Northern traders operate.
2. Ensure justice
for victims of the Alaba Market illegal demolition, attacks and provide
compensation to help them recover losses.
3. Establish a
framework for protecting traders’ investments, preventing harassment,
discrimination, or destruction of goods.
4. Introduce
welfare packages and support schemes to empower traders and sustain their
economic contributions.
National Chairman
of the group, A. A. Lawan Uba further cautioned that neglecting these issues
could disrupt the flow of goods and essential commodities from the North to
Lagos and other southern states. He emphasized that Nigeria’s regional
interdependence must be preserved to safeguard national unity and development.
Northern Youth
Peace and Reconciliation Initiative of Nigeria expressed optimism that with
stronger support from the Lagos State Government, traders would be better
positioned to operate in peace, thereby boosting the state’s prosperity and
setting an example of inclusive governance across Nigeria.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a
prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, had also condemned the demolitions,
describing them as unjust, calling for restitution for the affected traders.
While the Lagos
State Government maintains that the demolitions at Alaba International Market,
Lagos, were conducted to ensure public safety, lack of adequate communication
and the perceived targeting of certain cultural groups have led to widespread
dissatisfaction.
However, ongoing dialogues
between government and stakeholders aim to address these concerns and foster a
more inclusive approach to urban development.
##########