Traders Beg Anambra Government to End Illegal Levy Collection at Onitsha Market

By Praise Chinecherem

Traders operating at Ajassa Market in Onitsha, Anambra State have called on the State government to come and prevail over unidentified groups that continuously storm the market to collect inexplicable levies from them. 

The traders explained that the unknown persons claimed that they were sent by the State government for collection of revenue. 

Speaking with the officials from Ministry of Commerce and Industry who were invited by the traders, Chairman of the market, Mr Chima Ohia complained that people from Ose are claiming ownership of Ajassa area.

He said, “Traders of Ajassa have been in existence and have occupied the market since 1960 and earlier before then, alongside those in Ose. 

“Ajassa had been on its own until recently, some greedy persons from Ose mobilized themselves and began to encroach on the market territory, dominating them to be out from existence.”

Treasurer of the market, Mrs Ngozi Ezebuniru called on Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Obinna Ngonadi to intervene on the matter. 

“We want to be autonomous, no more intimidation from Ose people. 

“We want to decongest our market to make way for free flow of human and vehicles; and as well organise the entire market,” she said.