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, in February 2015.
Speaking at a media briefing in his office on Friday, Obika cited insecurity, congestion, arbitrary rent increase and poor sanitation among the numerous reasons the market is being moved to a more conducive and business-friendly environment.
He said: “The vision to relocate the market from Agarawu was conceived by this administration when we assumed office in August 2009. 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. I wish to announce to all our customers, members and the general public that a new dawn of freedom and comfort has come; No more area boys harassment, shylock rent increment, lack of movement and parking space, inadequate shops and packing stores for our members, and unhealthy environment etc.”
The multibillion tools, building materials and hardwares 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, Chief Felix Nnadi, the project, which has so far gulped about N2.75billion, is funded by members.
“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 said.
According to the pioneer president and one of the founding fathers of TAHDAN, Chief Sir Josephat Ezelioha, “all the traders are looking forward to the February relocation date with excitement and overwhelming joy, as it is a fulfilment of our age-long dreams and aspirations. We started this union here at Agarawu Street in 1996 as a small group of traders who specialise in technical, industrial, agricultural, construction and domestic tools, implements and hardwares. Our sole aim then was to create peace, unity, security, welfare, and a conducive business environment for all our members and customers. Thank God that today, this dream has been actualised.”
