Ekiti offers traders six months rent-free stalls to combat street trading

The Ekiti State Government has launched a program to provide six-month rent-free stalls to street and itinerant traders as part of an initiative aimed at enhancing commerce and reducing street trading activities. This initiative, which offers stalls at the Oja Oba main market, Agric-Olope, and Awedele markets, is also intended to celebrate the second anniversary of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.

A statement released on the state government’s website on October 17 outlined details of the program, titled “Ekiti Government Commences Allocation of Six-Month Rent-Free Market Stalls to Traders.” The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mrs. Omotayo Adeola, during a bilingual simulcast that reached audiences in both Ekiti and parts of Ondo State.

Adeola emphasized that this gesture aims to alleviate the financial pressures often faced by street traders. “The government is providing shop allocations based on an annual rent collection system, with an initial six-month period free of charge,” she said. This new arrangement replaces the previously prohibitive 15-year lease agreements, making market stalls more accessible to a greater number of traders.

While traders will not incur rent during the first six months, they will still be responsible for utility costs, including electricity and sanitation services, to ensure the markets remain clean and well-maintained. “Interested traders are invited to register at the Facility Management Office of the Oja Oba main market,” Adeola added.

The application process is designed to be simple, requiring traders to submit their name, type of business, a passport photograph, and their National Identification Number. However, Adeola cautioned that individuals already occupying shops or using them for storage are not eligible for this rent-free offer, as those stalls would be reassigned to deserving traders.

Additionally, the government encourages collaborations among petty traders, allowing multiple individuals to share a single shop. This strategy aims to optimize space utilization and accommodate small businesses that do not need large stalls.

The statement also noted that once the allocation process is complete, strict enforcement of laws against street trading will commence. “We will enforce the law prohibiting street trading, as our goal is to protect traders from accidents and ensure the safety of all road users,” Adeola asserted.

The government has also made significant investments in market infrastructure and is dedicated to ensuring these facilities serve their intended purpose effectively. In addition to addressing street trading, the government is tackling the rising food prices in the state. Adeola shared plans to collect surplus food during harvest seasons to stabilize supply chains and maintain affordable prices year-round. “The government will be involved in all agricultural activities, from providing farm inputs to facilitating the transport of goods from farms to consumers,” she explained.

Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, praised the government’s achievements under its six-pillar roadmap, noting substantial progress in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within just two years. He encouraged residents to continue supporting governmental efforts to further develop Ekiti State, stressing the importance of collective action for ongoing progress.

Olatunbosun also urged the community to refrain from practices such as indiscriminate waste disposal, which can lead to flooding and undermine environmental sustainability efforts. “Everyone must contribute to maintaining the progress we’ve made,” he said, reinforcing the message of community responsibility.

This initiative marks a significant step towards easing the challenges faced by traders and reflects Ekiti State’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.