— Govt assures no genuine shop owner will lose property during reconstruction
The Abia State Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has called on traders at the Ariaria International Market to support the state government’s ongoing efforts to remodel and upgrade the 40-year-old market in line with national and global standards.
ASMATA President, Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, made the appeal on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, during a solidarity visit and on-the-spot assessment of a collapsed building site at the market. He was accompanied by members of the association’s executive committee. Chief Udeigbo urged traders to remain patient, assuring them that the state government was committed to a transparent and fair reconstruction process.
He explained that many of the buildings and facilities in the market had become unsafe for use, posing serious risks to traders and shoppers alike. According to him, “No serious government would fold its arms and allow an impending disaster to happen. The reconstruction is necessary to make the market safe, modern, and conducive for business.”
Chief Udeigbo further assured that no genuine shop owner would be displaced or lose their property, provided they possess valid documents and comply with registration and verification procedures. “The government has no intention of shortchanging anyone,” he emphasized, adding that the reconstruction would be executed in phases to minimize disruption to business activities.
He cautioned traders against listening to false information being spread by detractors, stressing that the government and project financiers have already made interim arrangements to accommodate affected shop owners during the reconstruction period.
While sympathizing with victims of the recent building collapse, Chief Udeigbo thanked God that no lives were lost, noting that the affected structure was among those already marked for demolition. He also urged traders to cooperate fully with government agencies and ensure prompt payment of all approved levies and taxes to support the redevelopment effort.
The ASMATA team was received by the Interim Management Committee of the Ariaria International Market, which pledged to mobilize traders to back the government’s vision of transforming the market into a world-class business hub.
