Traders protest illegal ₦4.5m stalls, ₦20,000 levy in Anambra

DDM News

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, traders at the Ogbo Rice section of F-Line in Agbaedo Market, Nnewi staged a protest over what they described as illegal and exploitative financial demands imposed by the Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon. Echezona Anazodo.

Nnewi is a commercial and industrial city in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria.

It is the second largest city in Anambra state after Onitsha.

According to the aggrieved traders, a fee of ₦4.5 million is being demanded for each newly constructed shop in the market.

They argue that this fee is not only excessive but also unjustified, especially when compared to what is obtainable in similar markets across Anambra State.

In other areas, they pointed out, the administration of Governor Charles Soludo has either subsidized the cost of new stalls or provided market infrastructure at far more affordable rates.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the protest was largely peaceful but was driven by deep frustration.

The traders are also resisting a ₦20,000 “revalidation levy” that is allegedly being collected from all 5,400 stalls in the F-Line area of the market.

What has heightened suspicion among traders is that these payments are reportedly made without official government receipts.

Instead, names of payees are manually entered into a ledger, a method the traders say opens the door to corruption, fraud, and gross abuse of office.

“We are being extorted in broad daylight,” a protesting trader said.

“No receipts, no transparency, just our names in a notebook,” the trader added.

Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Say No to ₦4.5m Stall Fee” and “End Illegal Market Levies Now.”

Some of the traders recounted how their original stalls were demolished with promises of reconstruction at reasonable prices.

According to them, that promise has now been betrayed.

They say the new demand of ₦4.5 million is far beyond what ordinary traders can afford.

Agbaedo Market is a major economic hub in Nnewi and plays a significant role in the regional trade of rice, grains, and food items.

Many fear that the new charges, if enforced, could cripple small businesses and drive numerous traders out of the market.

The traders are calling on the Anambra State Government to investigate the matter urgently and intervene to prevent further exploitation.

As at press time, the protest was still ongoing.

Security operatives were present at the venue to ensure order and prevent any outbreak of violence.

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