MAJAN Roundtable: 2027 Aspirants Must Present Clear Economic Agenda, NdigboAmaka Traders Tell Politicians
MAJAN Roundtable:
2027 Aspirants Must Present Clear Economic Agenda, NdigboAmaka Traders Tell Politicians
By Elohor Otomewo
The NDIGBOAMAKA Progressive Market Association, an umbrella body representing more than 58 major markets in Lagos State, has challenged political leaders aspiring to elective offices in the 2027 general elections to shift attention from political calculations to concrete economic programmes capable of addressing the challenges confronting traders and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
The call was made by the President of the association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, during a roundtable discussion with members of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.
Speaking during the interactive session, Ukatu expressed deep concern over what he described as the growing disconnect between policymakers and the nation’s trading community, lamenting that political conversations ahead of the 2027 elections have focused more on power struggles than on economic recovery, infrastructure development and policies that can stimulate business growth.
“We are very worried about the 2027 election because what we hear from politicians is mostly about political calculations rather than how to improve the economy, infrastructure and the business environment,” he said.
According to him, the country’s harsh business climate, characterised by exchange rate volatility, rising operational costs and inconsistent government policies, has made it increasingly difficult for traders, importers and entrepreneurs to plan for sustainable growth.
Ukatu maintained that trade remains the engine of Nigeria’s economy and urged politicians seeking public office to present practical economic blueprints that would inspire confidence among investors and the business community.
“Trade is what drives the economy. Those seeking leadership positions should tell Nigerians exactly what they have in store for traders and for the economy,” he stated.
The traders’ leader identified poor leadership as one of the major factors responsible for Nigeria’s economic challenges but expressed optimism that competent and visionary leadership emerging from the 2027 elections could reposition the country on the path of sustainable development.
He further highlighted the difficulties confronting SMEs, including high lending rates, multiple taxation, inadequate infrastructure, unfriendly trade policies and limited government support, noting that many market associations are compelled to provide essential services such as road maintenance, security and sanitation despite paying various taxes and levies.
“Most markets lack basic infrastructure. Traders build roads, provide security and maintain facilities by themselves, yet they are heavily taxed,” he lamented.
Ukatu also criticised the absence of regular consultations between government agencies and stakeholders before implementing policies affecting trade and commerce, stressing that many SMEs possess the capacity to expand into manufacturing and export businesses if provided with affordable financing and an enabling business environment.
As part of his recommendations, he advocated the establishment of a dedicated “Traders Bank,” jointly owned by government and organised traders, to provide single-digit interest loans that would enhance access to affordable credit, encourage business expansion and generate employment opportunities across the country.
He equally called for greater inclusion of traders in economic policy formulation, insisting that those directly affected by government decisions should have a voice before such policies are implemented.
Beyond economic issues, Ukatu reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting national unity, disclosing that NDIGBOAMAKA had inaugurated a sensitisation committee to foster peaceful coexistence among traders irrespective of ethnic or religious backgrounds.
According to him, commerce flourishes through cooperation and shared prosperity rather than division.
“For traders, business comes first. Customers buy goods based on quality and affordability, not the tribe of the seller. We are preaching unity because trade is about partnership and mutual prosperity,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, President of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), Mr. Jerry Aguigbo, commended the NDIGBOAMAKA Progressive Market Association for its immense contribution to Nigeria’s economic development through trade, entrepreneurship and job creation.
Aguigbo described traders as indispensable partners in national development and called for stronger collaboration between the media and the trading community to promote policies that would facilitate trade, improve the ease of doing business and accelerate economic growth.
He noted that the media has a critical role to play in amplifying the concerns of traders while advocating reforms that would strengthen Nigeria’s commercial and maritime sectors.
In his welcome address, Ukatu also underscored the strategic importance of maritime journalism in exposing challenges within the maritime industry and driving reforms that support trade facilitation.
He urged journalists covering the maritime sector to continue upholding professionalism, objectivity and unity in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that a vibrant and responsible media remains essential to building a stronger economy and a more prosperous Nigeria.
