N500m extortion scandal: Market traders association under fire

Stanley Ihedigbo

National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN) has appealed to Local Government Chairmen across the federation to intervene in the unlawful activities of the Market Traders Association.

In a passionate plea, NUMTEN accused the association of operating as a trade union without authorization, extorting over N500m from market traders, and engaging in illegal price fixing.

According to the National President NUMTEN, Com. High Chief James Chukwuma Ogu, the association’s actions are in direct contravention of its union jurisdictional mandate as the sole representative of market traders across Nigeria.

The union cited a landmark judgment by the National Industrial Court, which declared that only registered trade unions with the requisite jurisdictional mandate can operate in Nigeria.

NUMTEN demanded that the association cease and desist from all activities as a trade union, return all extorted funds to its members, and cooperate with the union’s restructuring agenda.

Failure to comply will result in further action, including filing a lawsuit and seeking injunctive relief or bringing in law enforcement agencies.

The union’s National President, copied the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Head of Operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and other relevant authorities on the appeal.

He noted that the illegal activities are not limited to the Market Traders Association but also involve other associations, including the Super Katangowa Traders Association and the Gatankowa Super Traders Progressive Association.