Orlu International Market Traders Agree to ₦12,000 Annual Stallage Fee.
.....commend Council Chairman,Mbarie for Intervention
By Kelechi Ugo
Traders at the Orlu International Market, Umuna, located in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, have agreed to a new annual stallage fee of twelve thousand naira (₦12,000) per shop, following fruitful negotiations with the local authorities.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the Chairman of the Market, Hon. Chief Francis Otumadu—popularly known as "Obasanjo"—dismissed a recent newspaper report which alleged that the Local Government Chairman, Pastor Chris Mbarie, had increased shop rents.
Otumadu described the publication as politically motivated and the work of opposition elements seeking to discredit the administration.
Chief Otumadu recalled that under the previous leadership of Mr. Ugochukwu Ndukwu, the market had initially accepted to pay ₦24,000 annually per shop, following a directive from the State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Hon. Barr. Rex Anunobi (Sokom). However, that decision was suspended due to disputes that prompted the intervention of the Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, who assigned oversight of the Market to the LGA Chairman.
Since assuming office on March 3, 2025, Chief Otumadu said he has made consistent efforts to reduce the stallage fee, a move that eventually led to the current ₦12,000 agreement.
He expressed deep appreciation to the Executive Chairman of Orlu LGA, Pastor Chris Mbarie, for his understanding and support.
"We have now settled on the ₦12,000 annual stallage fee, and we are very grateful to our LGA Chairman and our capable Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma. While traders in nearby markets are already paying ₦24,000, we consider ourselves fortunate to have been granted this concession," Otumadu stated.
He also noted that his executive team has maintained a cordial relationship with traders and has taken steps to improve infrastructure within the market, including the rehabilitation of access roads.
He urged the public to disregard the earlier negative publication, labeling it a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the State Government led by Governor Hope Uzodimma of All Progressives Congress.
Supporting the Chairman’s stance, the Vice Chairman of the Market, Chief Samuel Ezike, and the Treasurer, Chief Okams Josephat, encouraged traders to embrace the new stallage fee in good faith.
They pointed out that traders in other states often pay significantly higher rates and described the ₦12,000 fee as fair and manageable.
