By Hassan Ibrahim
The Sabon Gari Timber Dealers Association has called on the Kaduna State Government to support the development of market infrastructure and promote business expansion, despite recording notable progress under its current leadership.
Speaking to journalists in Zaria, the Deputy Chairman of the association, Inusa Gambo Garba, popularly known as Gambon Hassan, said the association has made significant strides in restoring peace, improving security, and strengthening unity among traders.
According to him, upon assuming office, the leadership prioritized peaceful coexistence, considering the diverse ethnic composition of the market community. To foster harmony, functional peace committees were established to address disputes and promote dialogue.
On security, Gambo disclosed that the market previously experienced setbacks but has now recorded about 75 percent improvement, achieved through collaboration with security agencies and internal measures adopted by the association.
However, he expressed concern over the lack of meaningful government support to boost business growth in the market.
He revealed that during the rainy season, the association spends millions of naira repairing access roads damaged by rainfall, a challenge that disrupts truck movement, slows commercial activities, and affects overall productivity.
Gambo noted that the association operates across local, state, and federal levels and contributes significantly to national revenue through taxes, levies, and other commercial obligations beyond regular market dues.
He added that the timber trade remains a major source of employment, particularly for young people, stating that between 60 and 70 percent of jobs in Sabon Gari Local Government are linked to market activities, with youths from nearly every ward actively engaged in the business.
In his remarks, the association’s Financial Secretary, Muhammad Jazuli, urged the Kaduna State Government to strengthen collaboration with market leaders, especially regarding the movement of trucks used for transporting goods.
He also appealed for the provision of a dedicated fire-fighting truck stationed permanently in the market to enable rapid response to emergencies, as well as legislative support for solar-powered electricity and street lighting to improve security and extend business hours.
Similarly, the association’s Treasurer, Abdullahi Usman, called on the public to support the association’s development initiatives.
Meanwhile, Mika’il Yusuf, popularly known as Magaji Mai Katako, Judge of the market union and Deputy Chairman of the Sabon Gari Market in Zaria, confirmed that the current leadership has made substantial progress in improving sanitation, strengthening collaboration with railway authorities, and resolving disputes through dialogue and reconciliation.
He disclosed that nine major disputes have been resolved amicably, leaving only one case under discussion, without disrupting trading activities or peace in the market.
Mika’il also urged leaders to uphold justice, reminding them that leadership is a trust (amanah) bestowed by Allah.
0 Comments