Ebonyi Market Commissioner Reduces Crime, Boosts Economy Through Reforms
Alex Odeh
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Market and Park Development, Prof. Nwogo Ajuka Obasi, has revealed a significant reduction in market-related crime and killings across the state, attributing the improvement to a series of strategic reforms aimed at promoting ease of doing business and economic growth.
Speaking in an interview with journalists at Abakaliki, Prof. Obasi highlighted that under the directive of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the ministry took deliberate steps to address the root causes of insecurity in the state’s marketplaces—chief among them being the imposition of leadership on traders under the previous administration.
“Basically, what was the problem in Ebonyi State in the marketplaces was the issue of leadership.
“The former administration imposed leaders on the different markets, making the whole place chaotic. When we understood that, we approached the governor.
“He gave us a free hand and said, conduct elections—let the people elect their leaders. That was our first breakthrough,” Obasi said.
According to the Commissioner, the democratic election of market leaders led to improved coordination, reduced rivalries, and a marked drop in criminal activities, including market-related killings which previously plagued the state.
“Since the inception of Governor Nwifuru, there have not been any deaths, unlike before when killings in the marketplaces were frequent.
“Now, such incidents have been curtailed because those managing the markets see themselves as one,” he added.
Prof. Obasi also noted that the improved security and management structure have made the state’s markets more attractive to foreign traders, especially from neighbouring countries such as Cameroon.
“For now, because of the way the market is being managed and run, and since crimes have reduced, we have a lot of foreigners—Cameroonians are flooding the international markets,” he said, referencing Lot 1 of the market which he described as a “bug-breaking lot.”
The Commissioner emphasized that economic activity has expanded through partnerships, such as collaborations with Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, EBSMEDA and traders from Aba, particularly shoe dealers who now do business in Ebonyi markets.
Addressing concerns about recent market structure demolitions at Okwo Ngbo market in Ohaukwu LGA of the State, Prof. Obasi acknowledged ongoing restructuring, which he stated is necessary for long-term development.
“For development to occur, there must be sacrifices,” he hinted.
