The president of the association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu speaking at the occassion.
Story by Dili Utomi.
“We are ready to pay taxes, but this must be based on due process and the understanding of the fact that we are partners in progress”.
Above are some of the very good words that emanated from the All Markets Conference 2025 of the Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association. The theme of the event was :Empowering Trade Unions For Revenue Generation And Modernisation. The association is an umbrella body for over 50 different market associations for people of Igbo extraction in Nigeria.
The event took place, Wednesday at the main hall of the Festival Hotel in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos. The Tunisian ambassador to Nigeria Mohsen Antit was at the occassion in person as were many dignatories. Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, the Chief executive officer of Chisco Transport was there as was Okey Nwadinobi and Sam Ohuabunwa who represented the Abia State governor.
The president of the association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu had used his opening remarks to note that “This gathering represents the collective strength and resilience of our Union and l am Proud to lead such a dedicated and Passionate union.
His words “As we convene today, we do so against the backdrop of a rapidly changing global economy, where modernisation, digital transformation are the key to ease of doing business. However, I firmly believe that our unity, solidarity, and determination will continue to drive progress and protect the interests of our members”.
Comrade Ukatu and Ambassador Mohsen Antit at the event.
“I am hopeful that after this conference, we will engage in thoughtful discussions, debates, and decision-making processes that will shape the direction of our union. We
will address pressing issues, share best practices, and forge new partnerships to advance our common goals. He enthused.
Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa who spoke on behalf of the Abia State governor said in his remark that charity begins at home, though should not remain there. He commended the leadership of the Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association and also asked them to try and take their trading prowess back to the Southeast and help to develop the region.
The Tunisian ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Mohsen Antit while making his presentation jocularly reminded the audience that Tunisia gave Africa her name and that his country is committed to the brotherly relationship between her and Nigeria.
Ambassador Mohsen Antit making his speech at the event.
He said “This association epitomises the entrepreneurial ability of Nigerians in showcasing innovation, trade and community resilience. Your endeavour in empowering traders resonates with Tunisia’s tradition in all economic spheres. Tunisia and Nigeria share profound commonalities in the warmth of the peoples, diversity, culture and a shared aspiration to economic prosperity”.
He added that “there are opportunities to do business in agriculture, tourism and agribusiness and renewable energy, medical tourism and technology. We are looking forwarding to working with the president and his team in all areas of endeavour”.
The launch of their book.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) had Mr. Solomon Joseph presenting a paper on behalf of its director general by, Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke. In the paper, the DG stated thus “We acknowledge the challenges confronting traders, from counterfeit goods and multiple taxation to infrastructural constraints. However, with partnership, compliance, and collective responsibility, these obstacles can be overcome. The success of our markets depends on our shared commitment to integrity, innovation, and standardisation”.
The paper concluded thus “Distinguished participants, SON remains your trusted ally in building a fair and prosperous marketplace. Our systems are being modernised to serve you better, and our doors remain open for dialogue, training, and collaboration”.
The representative of the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers’Council, Mr. Femi Omonoyin noted in his paper presentation noted that “Trade unions, like Ndigboamaka Progressive (Markets) Association, are key partners in the maritime industry. Their role in labour, logistics, and service delivery directly affects port performance. The Council supports and empowers trade unions through:
« Structured engagement: Providing platforms for dialogue between unions, service providers, and government agencies.
« Capacity building: Supporting training and exposure to modern practices in port operations.
« Conflict resolution: Mediating disputes between unions and employers to prevent strikes that paralyze port activities.
« Inclusion in policy development: Ensuring unions have a voice in shaping regulatory frameworks that affect their work”.
A group photograph of members after the event.
He also added that the combined effect of port efficiency and empowered trade unions translates into measurable outcomes for the Nigerian economy including increased government revenue through improved collection of port charges and reduced leakages, attraction of investment into logistics, shipping and port infrastructure, creation of decent jobs across the maritime value chain, modernisation of port facilities through the adoption of global best practices and the positioning of Nigeria as a competitive hub for West and Central African trade.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council as Port Economic Regulator is not just a referee of tariffs but a catalyst for trade growth. We are active in ensuring the facilitation of import and export empowering trade unions and driving modernisation. The Council is contributing to national revenue generation and positioning Nigeria for global competitiveness”. He concluded.
Several participants fielded questions from the pressmen at the event. Chief Chidi Anyaegbu noted that “Our traders and business men in Lagos should be seen as partners in progress because the traders are real economic drivers. Ways of paying taxes should not be necessarily by enforcement or imposition, there should be proper laid down precedures and also dialogue. We will always find ways of relating with the government”.
Mr. Okey Nwadinobi while fielding questions said “We are here to lend our voices and support to the Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association and to also advise that the ways that they build their structures in the markets should be modernised, but beyond the physical structures, they should also operate in more modern ways. We commend their efforts in trade, job creation and economic developments”.
The president of the association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu also answered a few questions from the journalists. He said ” we are here to discuss what concerns the trading public and the government. We want to continue with this process of dialogue and collaboration as we are here to do business. The Abia State government has invited us over to do business with them and so also is the Bauchi State government, we are ready to do business with them so long as the environment is conducive. He concluded.
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