In a bid to revamp the business environment and enhance economic activities, the Gombe State Government recently relocated clusters of mobile phone marketers to the newly vacated Gombe Line Terminus site within the metropolis.
The authorities said the relocation aims to create employment opportunities for the youth and boost state revenue. However, while many see this move as a step forward, others fear it could lead to job losses, WikkiTimes reports.
The old GSM market, located at the Old Gombe Market, had been operational for 15 years, forming clusters on both sides of the market. The area’s chaotic nature, marked by frequent accidents and serving as a hotspot for illegal drug transactions, stressed the necessity for relocation.
The relocation implies a new lease of life for some people in their business environment.
Wilson Usman, a GSM technician, views the relocation positively, highlighting the potential for a fresh start in the GSM business.
“It is big enough to accommodate a lot of people. We have been looking forward to having our own market,” he expressed, optimistic about the prospects of the new location, in an interview with Wikkitimes.
Challenges for Small-Scale Vendors
Unlike Wilson, Bello Saleh, a GSM vendor, shares concerns about the affordability of renting stalls in the new market. Despite acknowledging the advantage of additional space, he fears that small-scale vendors like himself may struggle to secure a place due to financial constraints.
“For a small-scale vendor like me, it’s like starting afresh. We will have to struggle to get a new space since we cannot afford to rent the stalls. This is likely to affect our business and there are many like me,” he lamented.
Yusuf Muhammad echoed similar sentiments, noting that despite being a member of the GSM association, he has yet to secure a shed in the new market. He criticized the lack of support from the association, which had promised to provide everyone with a business space.
Capital Challenge and Political Influence
Shehu Cash, another vendor, confirmed that renting a stall costs N500,000, while purchasing one can set you back N1,500,000. This high cost makes it unattainable for vendors with limited capital.
Furthermore, Shehu accused the allocation process of being politicized, alleging that many stalls were allocated to politicians not involved in the GSM business. “Most of the stalls at the forefront of the market have been given out by the government to politicians. These people are not in the business of GSM and they end up selling the allocation,” he stated.
Association’s Response
Alhaji Umar Auwal, the state chairman of the Association of Mobile Phones and Allied Traders of Nigeria in Gombe, addressed these grievances. He assured that the association is working diligently to ensure all vendors, including small-scale ones, find spaces in the new market.
Alhaji Umar explained that they have an agreement with the Gombe Local Government to offer loans to those unable to afford rental or purchase costs, thereby supporting their businesses.
He reported that over 200 stalls have been allocated to shop owners from the old market, with six sheds provided specifically for small-scale vendors.
He added that already more than 146 small-scale vendors have been given spaces to continue their business activities in the market.
“We are still working to ensure that everyone has a place to continue their business, but people need to be patient about it,” he said.
The relocation of the GSM market presents a dual scenario of opportunities and challenges. While it promises a modernized trading environment and potential growth for some, it also raises concerns about accessibility and fairness for smaller traders.
