Ariaria International Market, Aba, one of Africa’s largest commercial hubs, will temporarily suspend trading activities on Friday, June 26, 2026, as part of efforts to support the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Ariaria International Market Traders Association (AIMATA), Chief Polycarp Muojiuba, who disclosed that the market would remain closed from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to enable traders and members of the public to participate fully in the voter registration exercise.
According to the market leadership, the temporary closure is aimed at encouraging eligible traders, artisans, business operators, and residents who are yet to register as voters to take advantage of the exercise and secure their voter registration ahead of future elections.
To ensure a smooth and accessible registration process, INEC officials are expected to be deployed across the market, with registration machines strategically positioned at various entrances and major junctions within the sprawling commercial centre. This arrangement is expected to make voter registration more convenient for thousands of traders and visitors who conduct business daily in the market.
The initiative underscores AIMATA’s commitment to promoting civic responsibility and democratic participation among traders, many of whom play significant roles in the socio-economic development of Abia State and Nigeria at large.
Market stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as a proactive step towards increasing voter participation and ensuring that more citizens are empowered to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
The market leadership urges all eligible persons, particularly those who have attained the age of 18, individuals seeking voter transfer, correction of personal details, or replacement of lost Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), to seize the opportunity provided by the exercise.
Normal trading activities are expected to resume immediately after the exercise aafter 12:00 noon, while traders and visitors have been advised to cooperate with INEC officials and market authorities to ensure a successful registration process.
The temporary closure highlights the growing recognition of the importance of voter registration as a critical component of democratic governance and citizen participation in the electoral process.
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