Anambra traders to obtain C of Os for shops in government markets

By Rita Okonkwo

Anambra State Government has called on market leaders of state owned markets to obtain Certificates of Occupancy for shops in their various markets to ensure valid proof of ownership for traders. 

  Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Uchenna Okafor made this known in a meeting with stakeholders and market leaders on Tuesday, in Awka. 

The commissioner, represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Samuel Ike Chinedu disclosed that the decision was reached as a result of several complaints received from local government authorities. 

The complaints said that some traders violate protocols by refusal to acquire allocation papers for markets located within the domain of their local governments.

He made it clear that state government, through the Ministry of Trade and Commerce ,will issue Certificates of Occupancy only to traders who have obtained their allocation papers from the local governments. 

The commissioner further explained that a Website will be created to capture and store up all data pertaining to traders who have secured their Certificates of Occupancy: their names, shop numbers, etc and which could be accessed by these traders from any part of the world. 

Also speaking during the meeting, Mr Edwin Muozom from Nnewi Zone, noted that some persons in his market have sold a particular shop for more than five times, stressing that the certificates will end strife among traders as regards ownership. 

Contributing, Chairman, Bridge Head Market, Onitsha, Mr Sunday Obinze suggested that the information should simply be conveyed, and optional without any application of force. 

Reacting on the timing, the Zonal Leader, Idemmili ASMATA , Anthony Onwuetiaka insisted that the cost of registration is high and should not be raised in this election period.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to  Governor Obiano  on Trade and Commerce, Albert Ibekwe said the concept was beneficial because traders can offer their C of  Os as a legal documents, for collateral for bank loans. 

Ibekwe added that in case of death of the owner, the certificates can be transferred to the next of kin.