The president of Tools and Hardware Dealers Association of Nigeria (TAHDAN) chief Jude Chukwudi Obika has revealed plans by the association to relocate business activities from their present Agarawu – Idumota base, to the new ultra modern permanent site at Lagos International Trade Fair Complex along Badagry Express Way come February 2015.
Speaking at a media briefing held in his office Friday, Obika cited insecurity, congestion, arbitrary rent increase and poor sanitation among the numerous reasons why the market is being moved to a more conducive and business friendly environment.
“The vision to relocate the market from Agarawu was conceived by the founding fathers of the association and pursued by the various administrations. But it was in August 2008 when our regime assumed office that the decision to go to Trade fair was taken. Hence, we acquired a portion of land at Trade Fair complex in 2010 and started building.
As I am talking to you, work is at finishing stages and we hope to commence business at the new place in February next year, stating that this is a new dawn of freedom and comfort for its members. “No more area boys harassment, shylock rent increment, lack of movement and parking space, inadequate shops and packing stores for our members, unhealthy environment etc.” He stated.
According to him, the multibillion tools, building materials and hardware’s plaza is a state-of-the-art international business edifice housing 2,000 lock up shops and 26 individual plazas. According to association’s secretary general Felix Nnadi, the project which has so far gulped an estimated N2.75 billion is funded through the selfless efforts of the traders. “Our members contributed N900, 000 each to own a shop at the new place. There are over 2,550 members in all, excluding apprentices. So we still have enough land for expansion in the future to accommodate all our members and new comers.” Nnadi stated.
Josephat Ezelioha who is the pioneer president and one of the founding fathers of Tahdan said, “All the traders are looking forward to the February relocation date with excitement and overwhelming joy, as it is a major fulfillment of our age long dreams and aspirations. We started this union here at Agarawu Street in 1991 as a small group of traders who specialize in technical, industrial, mechanical, safety, engineering, agricultural and domestic – tools, hardware, machines, equipments, keys, bolts and nuts, castor-wheels, etc. Our sole aim then was to create peace, unity, security, welfare, and decent business environment for all our members and customers. Thank God that today, this dream has been actualized.”
Modestus Anaesoronye
