The Ekiti State Government has launched an initiative offering six-month rent-free market stalls to itinerant and street traders in a bid to boost commerce and address the issue of street trading.
This scheme, which provides stalls at key markets such as Oja Oba, Agric-Olope, and Awedele, is part of the activities marking Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second anniversary in office.
In a statement released on Friday and published on the state government’s website, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mrs Omotayo Adeola, highlighted that this effort is aimed at alleviating the financial burden faced by street traders.
She explained that the government has replaced the unaffordable 15-year lease agreements with more accessible annual rent collection plans, with the first six months being rent-free.
Adeola emphasised that although traders would not be required to pay rent during the initial six months, they would still be responsible for utility payments such as electricity and sanitation to ensure the cleanliness and proper maintenance of the markets.
She encouraged interested traders to register at the Facility Management Office of Oja Oba main market by submitting essential documents, including their National Identification Number (NIN) and passport photograph.
However, the Commissioner warned that traders currently occupying shops or using them as warehouses would not be eligible for this rent-free scheme.
Their shops would be forfeited and reassigned to deserving traders. Adeola also highlighted the option for petty traders to share stalls to maximise space and accommodate small businesses.
Once the allocation process is complete, the government will strictly enforce laws against street trading. Adeola explained that the enforcement would protect street traders from accidents and improve the safety of road users.
“The law against street trading will be enforced,” she said, affirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and proper functioning of the markets.
In addition to supporting traders, the government is also taking steps to address the rising cost of food in Ekiti State.
Adeola announced plans to stabilise food prices by mopping up excess produce during harvest periods and improving the supply chain. This is part of a broader effort to ensure year-round affordability of food items.
The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, lauded the government’s progress in various sectors under the six-pillar roadmap.
He urged residents to support the government’s initiatives and avoid detrimental practices like indiscriminate waste disposal, which could undermine the state’s environmental efforts.
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