Governor Otti and Abia State’s Nano Entrepreneurs
Street trading is a ubiquitous feature of urban landscapes in many developing countries. In Umuahia, a city with a thriving informal economy, street traders are a common sight. These entrepreneurs, mostly young people, brave the elements to sell their wares, from fresh produce to second-hand clothing.
According to a recent survey, there are over 100 street traders in Umuahia, contributing significantly to the city’s economy. However, despite their importance, street traders face numerous challenges, including harassment by law enforcement, competition from formal businesses, and limited access to finance and markets.
This caption resonated deeply with us as a team as we reflected on our street research conducted last year. One particular street trader, 19-year-old Emmanuel Ahukannah, left an indelible mark on our hearts. Emmanuel, clad in a faded yellow shirt and worn-out sneakers, was selling an assortment of colorful wristwatches, sunglasses, and phone cases on his makeshift wooden board.
As we engaged with Emmanuel, we were struck by his infectious smile, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Despite the scorching sun beating down on him, he remained enthusiastic and hopeful about his daily sales. We spent over an hour conversing with Emmanuel, purchasing some of his merchandise, and gathering valuable insights into his daily life. According to Emmanuel, he sells an average of 3-8 items per day, with daily earnings ranging from ₦15,000 to ₦70,000.
Our interaction with Emmanuel provided a unique window into the lives of street traders in Umuahia. According to statistics, over 70% of street traders in Umuahia are between the ages of 10-28, with 60% of them being male. Furthermore, our survey revealed that 80% of street traders in Umuahia sell merchandise worth an average of ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 per month. As we concluded our interaction with Emmanuel, we were reminded of the importance of supporting and empowering these young entrepreneurs, who embody the spirit of resilience and hopefulness.
One of the most significant challenges facing street traders is the lack of formal recognition and support. Many street traders operate without any form of insurance or protection at least, making them vulnerable to exploitation and harassment. To address this issue, Dr Alex Chioma Otti is looking into their welfare and Institution. He’s asking if they could be provided with training, mass basic education, and some other support services.
Despite the challenges, many street traders in Umuahia are optimistic about their future. They see street trading as a way to earn a living, support their families, and build a better life. For example, 25-year-old John, a street trader who sells fresh produce, hopes to one day own a large farm and employ other young people from her community.
The use of technology is also transforming the street trading sector in Umuahia. Many street traders are now using mobile phones and social media to market their products, connect with customers, and access new markets. For example, 20-year-old Nneka, a street trader who sells second-hand clothing, uses Instagram to showcase her products and connect with customers.
However, despite the opportunities presented by technology, many street traders in Umuahia still face significant challenges. For example, many street traders lack access to formal education and training, making it difficult for them to develop the skills they need to succeed in business.
To address this issue, Gov. Otti is interacting with several organizations that can provide training and support services to street traders in Umuahia, Ohafia and Aba, in the first instance. For example, Otti hopes that in the pilot cities, these Street Traders’ may provided with training on business management, marketing, and financial literacy. Their cooperative or association, if any can also provides access to microfinance services, enabling street traders to access the capital they need to grow their businesses.
In conclusion, Dr Alex Chioma Otti revealed yesterday that street trading is a vital sector of the economy in Abia state, providing employment and income opportunities for thousands of young people. However, he regrets that despite the opportunities presented by street trading, many these nano entrepreneurs in this sector still face significant challenges. To address these challenges, he has just directed his aides to bring forward modalities on how to provide street traders with the support and resources they need to succeed.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from the University of Abuja Nigeria.
