- Traders Unveil N2bn Africa Tyre Village in Lagos
Tyre dealers under the aegis of Association of Tyre Marketers on Thursday inaugurated a N2bn Africa Tyre Village at the International Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
Described as the biggest in West Africa, the tyre village made up of 1,000 shops with 32 personal plazas, was said to have been built by the traders without any bank loan or support from any group.
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investments, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, commended the marketers for their ability to set up such village.
Abubakar, who was represented by the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, Mrs. Lucy Ajayi, promised the Federal Government’s support to ensure continued success of their business.
She expressed concern about the poor state of the trade complex road and solicited the cooperation of the tyre dealers in fixing the road.
She hailed the harmonious relationship among the traders despite their different ethnic groups, stressing that the government was in support of what they were doing.
“Government is proud of what you’ve done at this Africa Tyre Village and we shall support you in whatever way we can to ensure the continued success of your business,” Abubakar said.
Ajayi, in her capacity, said that she was very happy that good things such as the tyre village happened during her regime and that the trade fair complex had been transformed.
The President of ANTM, Africa Tyre Village, Alhaji Issa Akanbi, said, “Everything you are seeing here is completely our sweat; no bank loan, no support or sponsorship from any organisation or an individual.”
He said, with over 2,000 registered members, the association decided to move from their former Enu-Owa area at Idumota in Lagos Island because the area became so unbearable due to activities of shylock developers and landlords.
Akanbi said beside the need to effectively coordinate their members and business for proper supervision by the relevant regulatory agencies, there was also the need to give listening ear to the government.
