The newly inaugurated leadership of the Ariaria International Market Traders Association (AIMATA) has officially commenced what stakeholders described as a new chapter of accountability, transparency, and progressive administration in Ariaria International Market, Aba.
At its inaugural strategic meeting held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Pearl Event Centre along Old Express Road by SAMEC, Aba, the new leadership engaged the various zonal structures that make up one of Africa’s largest commercial markets, setting the tone for an administration driven by unity, discipline, security, and infrastructural renewal.
The gathering attracted Zonal Chairmen, Secretaries, Patrons, executive members, revenue officials, traders, and critical stakeholders across the market community.
Addressing the stakeholders, the newly inaugurated Chairman of AIMATA, Chief Polycarp Muojiuba, expressed profound gratitude to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for entrusting the new executive with the responsibility of overseeing the affairs of the massive commercial hub.
Chief Muojiuba stated that the remarkable transformation currently taking place across Abia State under Governor Otti’s administration inspired him to accept the responsibility of leading the market at this crucial time. He assured traders that his administration would be anchored on integrity, fairness, and responsible leadership.
He declared zero tolerance for illegal levies, extortion, and unauthorized revenue collection within the market, stressing that only government-approved payments backed by proper documentation would be recognized. He urged traders to reject any demand lacking official approval.
The AIMATA Chairman further called on market leaders and traders to embrace responsible leadership and active civic participation, particularly in the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration exercise. He emphasized that leadership positions should not be used as instruments of intimidation or oppression but as platforms for service and development.
He also assured government revenue officials operating within the market of peaceful cooperation and reaffirmed the commitment of the new leadership towards restoring Ariaria International Market to its globally respected commercial status.
In a major safety-focused intervention, the Coordinator for the Supply of Fire Extinguishers in Markets, Hon. Gab Nwaigwe, highlighted the urgent need for improved fire safety measures across trading environments.
He explained that fire extinguishers would be distributed through the various zonal chairmen based on the population of traders in each zone, adding that every allocation would contain at least two cylinders to strengthen emergency response capacity within the market.
Also speaking at the event, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Electoral Officer for Aba North Local Government Area, Mr. Anderson Duruoha, urged traders and market leaders to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise before the expiration deadline, which he disclosed was less than thirty days away.
He announced an extension of the daily registration period from 9am–3pm to 9am–6pm to accommodate more registrants and revealed that PVCs would be ready for collection by August this year.
Speaking on revenue administration, the Revenue Agent in charge of Aba North Local Government Area, Mr. Chimaobi Emeruwa, commended the harmonized revenue system introduced by the Abia State Government, describing it as critical to efficient market administration and sustainable development.
The Vice Chairman of AIMATA, Mazi Ufere Iyama, expressed concern over the poor infrastructural condition inherited by the new leadership, particularly the dysfunctional market gates and weak telecommunications network affecting business operations within the market.
He disclosed that the executive had already initiated discussions with officials of MTN to address the persistent network challenges experienced by traders.
Mazi Iyama also dismissed widespread rumours alleging that members of the newly inaugurated executive paid money to secure their positions, insisting that no financial inducement was involved in the emergence of the leadership team.
On security matters, the newly inaugurated Chief Security Officer (CSO), Hon. Chizoba Onyeukwu, charged traders and stakeholders to prioritize security consciousness, emphasizing that maintaining peace and safety within the market remains a collective responsibility.
In their separate remarks, several zonal chairmen, secretaries, and patrons expressed optimism over the emergence of the new leadership, describing the executive members as competent, focused, and development-driven.
Among those who spoke was Iche E. C. Obi, a Patron of the G-Line Sub-Union in Ariaria International Market, who commended the composition of the executive, noting that the leadership appeared carefully selected and had already demonstrated signs of purposeful administration.
The meeting also featured prayers and goodwill messages from various zonal leaders, who prayed for wisdom, unity, and success for the new administration while pledging their support towards achieving collective growth, peace, and stability within the market.
Present at the inaugural meeting were all 17 executive members of AIMATA, including the Secretary, Hon. Christian Nwachukwu; the Treasurer, Chief Alex Uzukwe; the Provost, Hon. Christian Chukwuma; alongside other principal officers of the association.
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