The Association of Progressive Traders (APT) has called on the Federal Government to provide urgent intervention in roads, electricity, and other critical facilities at the International Trade Fair Complex in Lagos. This appeal was made during the commissioning of a fully equipped medical clinic, laboratory, emergency ambulance, and upgraded shop blocks by the association. The development, largely funded by the traders, showcases what organised private-sector investment can achieve. Stakeholders, however, stressed that government intervention is necessary to provide the wider infrastructure required for businesses to thrive.
The commissioning ceremony, which started with a Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Onyelo Peter Chijoke, marked the completion of APT's latest infrastructure projects. Former APT President, Dr. Jude-Ringo Okeke, hailed the current leadership for leaving behind lasting infrastructure and called for greater government attention to the trading community. He noted that traders had invested significantly in improving their environment despite limited government support. Okeke urged the authorities to reciprocate by addressing major infrastructure challenges confronting the complex.
Dr. Okeke emphasised that improved roads, reliable electricity, and other basic infrastructure are essential to unlocking the full economic potential of the Trade Fair Complex and easing the burden on businesses operating there. He also urged greater involvement of traders in government policy-making, stressing that those directly engaged in commerce should have a stronger voice in decisions affecting the trading environment. Furthermore, Okeke charged the incoming APT president, to be elected in December, to build on the achievements of the present administration.
APT President, Chief Eric Ifeanyichukwu-Ilechukwu, described the newly completed projects as a major milestone for the association. He said the facilities demonstrate its commitment to the welfare and safety of traders. Chief Ifeanyichukwu-Ilechukwu expressed his satisfaction with the development, saying, “I feel so fulfilled. My heart is so happy today,” stressing that the provision of healthcare facilities is particularly important because “health is wealth.”
The Executive Director of the International Trade Fair Complex, Chief Mrs. Veronica Ndanusa, commended APT for upgrading its section of the complex. She said the new shop blocks, modern secretariat, clinic, laboratory, and ambulance align with the development standards expected within the trade fair environment. Ndanusa added that initiatives by organised private associations can complement government efforts to create a safer and more prosperous environment for businesses.
Adequate security measures have been put in place to protect the new infrastructure, according to APT Chief Security Officer, Chuka Christian Mekaowulu. He stated that the APT section has recorded no security incident for more than seven years, with high-definition CCTV cameras operating round the clock alongside dedicated mooring teams and day-and-night security personnel. The ceremony was attended by various stakeholders, including project engineer Emmanuel Akinpelu and representatives of Fidelity Bank and Taj Bank.
The commissioning of the new facilities renewed calls for the government to address the wider infrastructure deficit at the International Trade Fair Complex, particularly roads, electricity, and other facilities critical to sustaining commercial activity. The event showcased the impact of private-sector investment and the need for government support to ensure the continued growth and success of businesses operating at the complex.
Key points
- The Association of Progressive Traders has invested in infrastructure projects at the International Trade Fair Complex.
- Government intervention is necessary to address critical infrastructure challenges.
- The development of the complex is crucial to unlocking its full economic potential.
