Hardware dealers to quit Idumota over unfriendly business environment

Over 2,550 traders under the umbrella of Tools and Hardware Dealers Association of Nigeria (TAHDAN) have concluded plans to move their businesses from Idumota area of Lagos Island to the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Badagry Express Way, due to unfriendly business environment.

The President of the Association, Chief Jude Chukwudi Obika, who disclosed this during an interactive session with Journalists on the status of the project, said that while the relocation will take effect from February next year, insecurity, congestion, arbitrary rent increase and poor sanitation are among the reasons why they are moving to a more conducive and business friendly environment.

“The vision to relocate the market from Agarawu- Idumota was conceived by the founding fathers of the Association and pursued by

the various administrations. But it was in August 2008 when our regime assumed office that the decision to go to Trade fair was taken.

“Hence, we acquired a portion of land at Trade Fair complex in 2010 and started building. As I am talking to you, work is at finishing stages and we hope to commence business at the new place in February next year.

I wish to announce to all our customers, members and the general public that a new dawn of freedom and comfort has come. No more area boys harassment, shylock rent increment, lack of movement and parking space, inadequate shops and packing stores for our members, unhealthy environment; etc,” he said.

He explained that the plaza is a state-of-the-art international business edifice housing 2,000 lock- up- shops and 26 individual plazas.

The Association’s Secretary General, Felix Nnadi, added that the project which has so far gulped an estimated N2.75billion is funded through the selfless efforts of the traders.

“Our members contributed N900, 000 each to own a shop at the new place. There are over 2,550 members in all, excluding apprentices. So we still have enough land for expansion in the future to accommodate all our members and new comers,” said Nnadi.

In the words of Chief Josephat Ezelioha, pioneer president and one of the founding fathers of the Association, “All the traders are looking forward to the February relocation date with excitement and overwhelming joy, as it is a major fulfillment of our age long dreams and aspirations.

We started this union here at Agarawu Street in 1991 as a small group of traders who specialise in technical, industrial, mechanical, safety, engineering, agricultural and domestic – tools, hardware, machines, equipments, keys, bolts and nuts, castor-wheels, etc. Our sole aim then was to create peace, unity, security, welfare, and decent business environment for all our members and customers. Thank God that today, this dream has been actualised.”

Vanguard