The Enugu State Government has announced the construction of a new International Motor Spare Parts and Allied Trades Market at 9th Mile, near Enugu, on the Enugu-Onitsha expressway.
The Managing Director of the Enugu State Investment Development Authority, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, revealed this during a meeting with the leadership of the Enugu Motor Spare Parts and Allied Trades Association, Coal Camp, Enugu, on Monday.
Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo stated, “The market is in fulfillment of Gov. Peter Mbah’s electoral promise to build a world-class market for the association.” He described the current condition of the traders at Coal Camp as “pathetic and prone to environmental hazards,” emphasizing that “no business could thrive in such an unconducive environment.”
“During the last campaign period, they asked the state government to provide them with a more conducive environment that could accommodate all of them,” Ogbu-Nwobodo said. “Today, as we speak, work has commenced on the site. The governor is fulfilling the promise he made to the traders, and he is relentless in making sure that their businesses grow.”
Discussing the key facilities expected in the new market, Ogbu-Nwobodo explained, “It is going to be an ecosystem that supports modern businesses and commercial and light industrial activities. There will be facilities like modern shops and warehouses, police posts, fire protection architecture, conveniences, banks, parks, schools, health facilities, union centres, recreational facilities, and other things that will enable business growth.”
He also highlighted the strategic choice of 9th Mile, describing it as “a major business hub in the state.” According to him, the new market location would provide easier access for traders from various regions, including the North, Ebonyi, Cross River, and Central Africa. “The development will help save dealers the stress of navigating through the city before offloading or exporting their goods,” he added.
Reacting to the news, the president of the association, Chief Mike Nomeh, expressed his approval. “Previous administrations in the state did not treat the welfare of traders at Coal Camp with the priority it deserved,” he said. Nomeh noted that the relocation of the market was long overdue and that they had appealed to past administrations without success. He urged the governor to ensure the speedy delivery of the market, saying, “Our present location at Coal Camp calls for sympathy.”
A Line Chairman at the market, Mr. Benjamin Eze, also praised the governor for the initiative. “I have spent over 30 years at Coal Camp and have been yearning for adequate accommodation for all the traders. What is happening now seems like a dream to me,” Eze said. He added, “I know that the governor is capacity-filled. I urge him to keep up with this pace because it will benefit all of us.”
