By Obaseoyi Bassey
In a strategic move to bolster trade and economic stability, the Commissioner, Cross River State Ministry of Commerce, Dr Abigail Duke, has called for unprecedented unity among market associations.
Dr Abigail Duke Orok made this call during a high-level key stakeholders meeting to outline a vision for a more prosperous trading environment under the administration of Governor Bassey Otu. meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Calabar.
Addressing the gathering of market leaders, Dr Abigail Duke Orok emphasized the necessity of a unified front.
Dr Abigail Duke Orok urged all market unions to synchronize their efforts to achieve collective goals, stressing that the success of the state’s economy depends on the cooperation of its traders.
Dr Abigail Duke Orok highlighted the Governor’s recent directive to reduce the weekly tax rate for mini-bus operators from N700 to N500—a move aimed at easing the cost of transportation and doing business. Dr Abigail also encouraged unions to leverage partnerships to secure stalls and benefits in the newly established Ultra-Modern Market in Henshaw Town, a facility designed to modernize trade in the State.
Dr Abigail Duke assured the unions that the government is facilitating bank loans to provide much-needed capital for business expansion and easy transactions.
The Honourable Commissioner of commerce Dr Abigail Duke Orok reassured the unions that their requests—ranging from road repairs to tax reviews for larger vehicles—would be presented to the Governor.
Dr Abigail Duke expressed confidence that the Governor would grant these requests, given his track record of listening to the yearnings of the masses.
In a major outcome of the engagement, the market unions adopted a unified political stance. They unanimously agreed to support, vote for, and actively mobilize their members and communities in favor of Governor Bassey Otu ahead of the 2027 elections. The endorsement also extended to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signaling alignment with both state and federal leadership.
To formalize this commitment, the unions agreed to organize a joint endorsement event for both leaders, scheduled to take place on or before June 2026, demonstrating their unity and political strength.
The leadership of the major markets in Calabar expressed their gratitude while also highlighting pressing challenges faced by their members.
Elder Ekpe Okon Udoh, President of the Watt Market, pledged the total support of his union for Prince Otu’s 2027 bid. While thanking the Commissioner for her “open-door policy,” he raised concerns regarding the deteriorating infrastructure at the market.
“Marketers are struggling due to poor facilities and bad roads, which become nearly impassable during the rainy season. We need the government’s urgent intervention to keep trade flowing,” Elder Udoh stated.
Similarly, the Chairman of Marian Market, Pastor Asuquo Etim, commended Governor Otu for bringing development to the trade sector.
He specifically lauded the Calabar Ultra-Modern Market project, noting that it would open up vast opportunities for traders across the State.
Representing the Block molders Association, Mr. Philip Obasi noted that the state is witnessing a positive “U-turn” in governance. While praising the road tax reduction for mini-buses, he made a formal appeal for the Governor to extend similar tax relief to Dyna delivery vehicles, which are essential for transporting heavy goods and construction materials.
The meeting ended with a renewed pact of loyalty between the market unions and the state government, with the traders vowing to remain pillars of support for the Otu administration.
