Paul Nwosu
Anambra State stands out on the global map largely due to its commercial prowess, anchored by Onitsha, home to the largest market in Africa. The state thrives on intense economic activities spread across its nooks and crannies. This commercial vibrancy profoundly influences the socio-cultural and political dynamics of the state. It is believed that when the markets sneeze, the State catches cold. This illustrates how strategically important markets and commercial activities therefrom are to the State economy.
As the informal sector accounts for a significant portion of Anambra’s GDP, the smooth running and stability of markets are vital to the state’s economy. Recognizing this, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR appointed Evarist Uba as his Special Adviser on Markets in 2023. Uba’s appointment was met with widespread approval, especially by those familiar with his stellar track record.
A graduate of the University of Southern California, Uba is no stranger to leadership and reform. Having served as Commissioner for Environment under Governor Willie Obiano and as a seasoned entrepreneur and manufacturer in Onitsha’s bustling business environment, he brought a wealth of experience to the role.
Since assuming office, Uba has made remarkable strides in fostering stability and sanity in market management. The frenetic quest by market leaders to outdo one another, resulting in fratricidal clashes and consequent instability, has been curbed.
Uba disclosed in an exclusive interview with _Anambra Times_ that peace in the markets was achieved by allowing shop owners to determine who leads them. Previously, powerful individuals sponsored proxies to lead markets, prioritizing illegal toll collection over market welfare. This practice often left the markets in disarray.
To counter this, the state government adopted a policy of using Caretaker Committees to manage markets. This approach has brought relative peace and ensured the leadership genuinely represents the traders. The policy also enables the seamless implementation of transformative government programs at the grassroots.
Uba confirmed that the government intends to sustain this model due to its success in fostering harmony.
Market sanitation, once a significant challenge, has also improved under Uba’s leadership. Local government “Mayors”, whose jurisdictions host these markets, are now directly responsible for refuse management. This collaboration has ensured timely garbage removal, keeping markets clean and organized. Additionally, market authorities have initiated awareness campaigns to discourage littering. In the past, sanitation levies were misappropriated by market leaders, but this issue has been resolved with the introduction of the caretaker system.
As Uba embarks on market inspections for the new year, he remains optimistic about 2025. With the government’s commitment to stability, cleanliness, and policies promoting lawful business operations, markets in Anambra State are poised for a more profitable and transformative year.
Uba’s reforms have set a strong foundation for sustainable growth, ensuring that Anambra’s markets remain vital economic hubs for the state and beyond.
Paul Nwosu PhD
E-i-C, AnambraTimes
