RismadarVoice Reporters
October 24, 2026
Traders at Ubani Ultra-Modern Market in Umuahia, Abia State, have appealed to Governor Alex Otti to urgently rehabilitate the facility, alleging years of government neglect, deteriorating infrastructure and declining commercial activities.
The traders said the market, established following their relocation from Isigate in 2013, has continued to deteriorate despite promises by successive administrations to provide essential amenities.
They identified damaged internal roads, collapsing shops, accumulated refuse, inadequate electricity and water supply, and the absence of banking facilities as major challenges affecting businesses.
The market, located approximately seven kilometres from Umuahia city centre, was developed during the administration of former Governor Theodore Orji to reduce congestion and expand commercial activities beyond the metropolis.
However, traders alleged that inconsistent enforcement of the relocation policy had allowed competing markets to continue operating around Isigate, resulting in declining patronage at Ubani.
A provisions dealer, Ugochukwu Okeke, complained that traders were struggling to recover their investments because of poor infrastructure and reduced customer traffic.
He also questioned the annual levy of ₦36,000 per shop, saying traders had yet to experience corresponding improvements in market facilities.
Okeke appealed for the construction of the proposed Ubani–Agbo–Umueze access road, arguing that it would improve accessibility and reduce dependence on the busy Umuahia–Uzuakoli Road.
Another trader, Michael Ubani, said several business owners had abandoned their shops after struggling with declining sales and rising operating costs.
He recalled that traders had previously protested at Government House but claimed their complaints had not produced the expected intervention.
Women traders, including Nkechinyere Odinkemere and Comfort Ikwuagwu, also expressed concern that poor patronage was affecting their ability to support their families.
The market chairman, Prince Chukwemeka Ebubedike, urged Otti to prioritise rehabilitation of internal roads, damaged shops and other essential facilities.
Ebubedike said traders had continued paying government levies despite the difficult commercial environment.
He also claimed the governor had previously indicated that officials would visit the market to assess its condition, but the anticipated intervention had yet to materialise.
The traders called for improved infrastructure, better access roads and consistent implementation of market policies to restore business confidence.
The Abia State Government has previously announced separate market redevelopment and urban renewal initiatives in Umuahia, but no specific response to the latest complaints was available in the report.
