Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chijioke Ihunwo says he has directed the market leaders in the area, to direct those trading along the road to move inside the market or risk confiscation of their goods.
Ihunwo, made this known in a statement after a meeting with the leadership of the market at the council secretariat on Monday.
He said, “Trading by the roadside can pose various risks and challenges to both traders and passersby. When individuals engage in commerce on the side of the road, they are exposed to potential dangers such as accidents caused by passing vehicles. For instance, a distracted driver may inadvertently veer off the road and collide with the traders or their products, leading to injuries or even fatalities. Moreover, the lack of designated trading spaces by the roadside can result in congestion and obstruct the smooth flow of traffic, causing inconvenience to commuters.
In addition to safety concerns, trading by the roadside can also have negative implications for the overall aesthetics of the area. When goods are displayed haphazardly along the roadside, it can create a cluttered and unkempt appearance that detracts from the beauty of the surroundings. This can be particularly problematic for motorists and passersby.
In conclusion, while trading by the roadside may offer convenience and visibility for sellers, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks and risks associated with this practice.
Therefore, we have instructed the market leader in Obio/Akpor local government area, to direct those trading along the road to move inside the market or risk confiscation of their goods. We frown at a situation where traders and commercial drivers leave designated business points to carry out their trade along the major roads and obstruct the free flow of traffic.
In our meeting with the market’s leadership, we also rebuked traders in various markets in our local government for failing to keep their business premises clean and healthy, warning that the council will start enforcing cleanliness on them. We have also revoked the approval given to some shop owners at the Obio Akpor International Market along the SARS road. We took the decision following the locking of the shops for many months without usage.
