ENUGU, NIGERIA — The African Democratic Congress candidate for the House of Representatives in Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency, Hon. Maduegbunam Nelson Chinedu, has pledged to advocate for the modernisation of markets and the strengthening of local economies if elected in 2027, describing markets as centres of enterprise, employment, food distribution, and community economic life.
In a policy statement released on Saturday by his campaign organisation, the Nelson Media Project, Chinedu said he would pursue federal programmes and strategic partnerships to support the modernisation of markets and improve the conditions under which traders and small businesses operate.
“I see our markets as more than places where people buy and sell. They are centres of enterprise, employment, food distribution and community economic life. If given the opportunity to represent Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency, I will advocate for federal programmes and strategic partnerships that can support the modernisation of our markets and improve the conditions under which traders and small businesses operate,” he stated.
The ADC candidate said his focus would include advocating for better market infrastructure, improved sanitation, reliable lighting, access roads, water facilities, storage solutions, and other amenities that can make markets safer, more productive, and more attractive to customers and investors. He noted that many markets in the constituency lack basic amenities, which hampers the productivity of traders and limits their ability to grow.
“I will also pursue stronger connections between our traders, cooperative groups, financial institutions, development agencies and relevant federal programmes, so that qualified businesses can have better access to training, financing, technology and enterprise-support opportunities,” Chinedu said.
He emphasised that modernising markets was not simply about constructing buildings, but about creating an environment where traders can grow, young people can find opportunities, agricultural producers can reach consumers more efficiently, and local businesses can contribute more to the economy.
“Modernising our markets is not simply about constructing buildings. It is about creating an environment where traders can grow, young people can find opportunities, agricultural producers can reach consumers more efficiently and local businesses can contribute more to the economy,” he stated.
Chinedu said he would use legislative advocacy, federal partnerships, and effective oversight to attract appropriate interventions that support the growth and modernisation of markets across Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani. He noted that his approach would be inclusive and would involve engaging with traders’ associations, community leaders, and relevant federal agencies.
“My commitment is clear: to advocate for markets that are better organised, better equipped and capable of supporting stronger local economic activity,” he said.
The policy statement is the latest in a series of commitments made by the ADC candidate, who has outlined plans for healthcare, education, job creation, human capital development, infrastructure, and community security in the constituency. His campaign has positioned him as a representative who will prioritise the needs of his constituents and work to attract federal resources to the area. For now, his message is clear: modern markets and stronger local economies will be at the heart of his legislative agenda if elected.
