The Enugu State Government, under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, has taken a significant step in transforming the commercial landscape of the state with the relocation of spare parts and allied trades markets from the Coal Camp area to the newly designated Enugu International Motor Spare Parts and Allied Trades Park. This development aims to create a modern, well-structured commercial hub, providing a more organized and business-friendly environment for traders.
The new market site, which spans across Nsude in Udi Local Government Area and Ogwofia Owa in Ezeagu Local Government Area, is strategically located along the Enugu-Onitsha Road, a major commercial corridor in the state. This location places traders at the heart of a thriving business route, making it a pivotal economic hub not just for Enugu State but for traders across the South-East and beyond.
Speaking during the signing of the Executive Order on the Designation and Establishment of the Enugu International Motor Spare Parts and Allied Traders Park, Governor Mbah assured that the new site was carefully designed to address all challenges faced at the Coal Camp market.
"This new market is a purpose-built facility, designed with all the necessary infrastructure to ensure safety, convenience, and efficient business operations. We have considered all required safety codes and international market standards," Mbah stated.
The governor further emphasized the ongoing construction of the market, noting that road infrastructure and essential facilities were being aggressively developed to ensure smooth relocation in the coming months.
The new site is expected to provide a comprehensive business ecosystem, complete with:
- A well-planned commercial section with shops, warehouses, and workshops
- Adequate parking spaces for trucks and vehicles
- A clinic and fire service station for emergencies
- Residential areas within close proximity to the market, ensuring that traders do not have to travel long distances for work
- Smart schools, a police station, and recreational facilities, including a football pitch
The President of the Enugu Motor Spare Parts Dealers Association, Chief Michael Nomeh, expressed gratitude to the governor, stating that previous administrations had failed to fulfill similar promises.
"For decades, we have been promised relocation to an international market, but none of those promises were kept. Governor Peter Mbah has done in less than two years what others could not achieve in decades. We are excited and grateful for this development," Nomeh said.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Managing Director of the Enugu State Investment Development Authority, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, highlighted the strategic importance of the new site and its potential to drive economic growth.
"This move is aimed at boosting Enugu’s economy as part of our vision for a $30 billion GDP economy. The location of this market is key—anyone traveling from the Middle Belt, South-South, Cross River, or even Cameroon to Onitsha must pass through this route," he explained.
Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo further stressed that the government’s priority was not profit but ensuring a well-organized and safe trading environment.
"Unlike at Coal Camp, where most traders rent shops, the new site will allow them to own their shops. It is built to support a modern commercial and industrial ecosystem, making it a business-friendly environment that will attract investors and create jobs."
The relocation marks a new era for Enugu’s business community, promising a safer, more efficient, and internationally recognized trading hub that will redefine the spare parts and allied trades industry in