An indigene of Nnobi in Anambra State, Obinna Chidi Ufudo, has appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently address the concerns of traders and property owners displaced by the demolition of Afor Nnobi Market and adjoining structures for ongoing infrastructure projects.
Ufudo, in an opinion article, said he supports the development of roads and modern infrastructure but argued that affected residents should be properly enumerated, compensated and relocated before their businesses and properties are demolished.
According to him, Afor Nnobi Market has served as a major commercial centre in the community for generations, supporting traders, farmers, artisans, transporters and other businesses within the area.
He said the demolition had affected the livelihoods of traders and raised concerns over the loss of family properties and other community assets.
Ufudo particularly questioned the proposed flyover at Nnobi Junction, asking whether alternative traffic-management measures had been sufficiently considered before the demolition of the market.
He called for the publication of relevant environmental, social, economic and traffic assessments guiding the project, as well as an independent review of the proposed flyover.
The Nnobi indigene also urged the state government to provide temporary trading facilities for displaced traders, ensure that affected traders receive priority in any replacement market, and provide assistance to families rendered homeless by the demolition.
He further appealed to Governor Soludo to engage directly with traders, affected property owners, traditional institutions, town unions, elders and other stakeholders in Nnobi before proceeding with further demolition.
Ufudo also referenced the Ekwulobia flyover project, raising questions about its utilisation and previous concerns surrounding the infrastructure. He acknowledged the government’s position that engineering integrity tests had established the structure’s safety, but argued that the experience should inform planning for the Nnobi project.
He maintained that infrastructure development should be measured not only by roads, bridges and other physical projects but also by their impact on the livelihoods and welfare of residents.
Ufudo urged the state government to consider less disruptive alternatives if they can achieve the same traffic-management objectives, while stressing that Nnobi residents are not opposed to development.
He called on Governor Soludo to visit the affected community, listen to residents and take steps to mitigate the economic and social impact of the demolition.
The Anambra State Government’s response to the specific concerns raised by Ufudo was not contained in the statement.
