Why TUCN must save Kaduna traders


The purpose of this write up is to send a message to the Trade Union of Nigeria (TUCN) because I and almost all the traders of Kaduna state have forgotten that we have a union saddled with managing our affairs. I believe in Kaduna state no marketer knew that TUCN has the mandate to intervene and
come to the aid of marketers from the wanton destruction of markets until the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) showdown in Kaduna state. 

But at this time we (marketers) believe it is time for our national union to say enough is enough of the daily ongoing sabotage on traders of Kaduna state, because our state unions are afraid to test the water.

Truly, if there is any group of people in Kaduna state that deserve support, solidarity and sympathy on their problems and created jeopardy, they are the traders. I am a victim of the more than six million circumstances of lawlessness and arbitrary demolition of markets and shops in Kaduna state. 

It is on record that many demolitions took place while the cases were before courts. And, it was for such contempt of court, Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai was delisted from the 2020 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association.

The governor of Kaduna state during his 2015 governorship electioneering campaign promised to make business in the state comfortable and progressive, and it was for that reason the Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN), Kaduna state branch supported his candidature.For the 2019 election, the marketers contributed and purchased governorship form for El-Rufai’s re-election for ‘we’ thought the days will be brighter even though the cloud was thick.

In Kaduna state, no market is spared and no marketer is sleeping well because at any time notice of demolition may be distributed and bulldozers will come punching. Many traders have died because of this
terrible situation, and no proper documentation of traders before demolition or shortlisting of shops’ ownership, indicating no one has right to his/her shop.

It is time for TUCN to answer the call of its children and operate within the ambit of its jurisdiction to protect the lives and businesses of Kaduna state traders. TUCN, an affiliate of NLC, was established in 1942. 

TUCN is the federated trade union and the first union to get government’s approval to operate on a national basis. In all the responsibilities of the TUCN given by the constitution of Nigeria and the Union Miscellaneous Acts, no one has been enjoyed by the traders of Kaduna state since 2015 because of
fear of demolition. TUCN has positioned itself to the government side and looks away as the
sabotage of traders unfolds in Kaduna state.

The refusal of TUCN to partake in the recent NLC warning strike in Kaduna state has uncovered the skeleton in its cupboard. The closed meeting TUCN had with the state government before the NLC strike fished out the smelling rat from the table of the two parties and this is the time for TUCN to identify its true members and operate within its confines.

TUCN should know that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) gives every group of Nigerians right to protest against unsatisfied actions, and it is a fundamental right for every marketer in Nigeria to enjoy the services of TUCN because traders pay levies and charges to the union.

But, if TUCN feels silence is the best answer to the traders of Kaduna state then history and God will not forgive leaders that run away from their responsibilities.

If NLC can show love to sacked workers of Kaduna state that are up to 40,000, TUCN should have concern and love of more than six million marketers whose shops were demolished and privatised in stupendous amount that they cannot afford. Marketers in Kaduna state see the privatization as capitalism; taking from the poor and giving it to the rich.


Traders of Kaduna state have the right to get their shops back after construction of the demolished markets at affordable rates.

As all marketers of Kaduna State await the intervention of TUCN, the unon should stop privatization of Kaduna state markets as all the shops were already allotted to marketers as the rightful owners.
Also, TUCN should ensure that marketers get their shops back after reconstruction as the traders have their certificates of occupancy and allocation.

At last, the good advice I will give to TUCN is to have a discussion with the genuine marketers to hear from the horse’s mouth. This is because the state union leaders may not offer accurate and clear information regarding the tribulation of marketers because they are afraid to lose their seats and the government will continue to protect its interest. The three parties should be involved and preferably use the media to publish their activities.

I am sorry if my words are harsh and maybe it is the first approach from any trader of Kaduna state that seeks your intervention in our solitude and pain. Our state unions and associations cannot invite you because they are afraid but I am sure this write-up represents the cries and tears of all Kaduna state marketers on the tribulations inflicted on us by Kaduna state government.

I pray that this will be the reason to wipe away the running tears of Kaduna state traders’ eyes, and heal the wounds of their hearts, and I pray and hope we will see brotherhood and love from our national union
and the mother of our affairs.

Idris writes from Barnawa, Kaduna state via [email protected]