Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Enugu State, Uche Nnaji, has pledged to rebuild demolished markets and provide free shops to affected traders if elected governor in 2027.
Nnaji made the promise while receiving a coalition of interest groups at his campaign office in Enugu. The delegation included traders and artisans displaced from Gariki Market, leaders of the Arewa Northern Forum, members of the Inter-Faith Council and representatives of non-indigene communities.
The groups expressed concern about the hardship caused by market demolitions, multiple taxation and difficulties securing alternative trading spaces.
Nnaji said his administration would review the circumstances surrounding the demolitions and explore ways to restore the livelihoods of affected traders, including constructing replacement markets and allocating shops to their original owners without charge, subject to available resources.
He said the loss of shops and businesses had affected household incomes and left many families struggling to make ends meet. He added that restoring traders’ livelihoods would be a priority for his proposed administration.
The PDP candidate also pledged to review Enugu State’s tax regime and remove what he described as excessive and exploitative taxes imposed on traders and small business owners.
Nnaji said the proposed tax relief would reduce pressure on businesses and residents. He described the emerging campaign slogan, “No More Tax,” as a commitment to addressing complaints about multiple taxation.
He further promised to address disputes involving filling stations occupying land intended for markets, saying his administration would consider relocating such facilities to alternative sites to enable trading activities to resume.
Market demolitions in Enugu have previously drawn criticism from affected traders. In 2024, demolitions at Gariki Market and Ogige Nsukka Market disrupted businesses, with traders raising concerns about short notice and the lack of immediate alternative trading spaces.
Beyond traders’ welfare, Nnaji pledged to pursue industrial development in oil, cement, iron ore and steel, saying the sectors could create jobs and stimulate economic activity. He also said his administration was considering free medical care for elderly residents aged between 65 and 70.
The pledges form part of Nnaji’s campaign platform ahead of the 2027 Enugu governorship election. The proposed market reconstruction, free shops and tax changes remain campaign commitments and would depend on his election and implementation by a future administration.
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