Trade Fair Complex
Crusoe Osagie
The Association of Nigerian Tyre Marketers (ANTM) has concluded arrangements to relocate its activities from the current base at Enu-Owa Street Idumota, to a permanent site at the International Trade Fair Complex, along Lagos-Badagry Expressway in May 2013.
The president of the association, Alhaji Issa Akanbi Mohammed, disclosed this at a media briefing held in Lagos, and expressed delight and satisfaction over the rate of work at the new mall, which is now under construction.
He also invited other tyre dealers and members of the general public who wish to join the association to come on board and register their intention at the association’s secretariat at Enu Owa Street.
According to Mohammed, the new tyre market at Trade Fair Complex will be called African Mobility Centre.
“The tyre edifice was named African Mobility Centre because all the facilities and infrastructure are of world class standard. ANTM is the wheel of Africa therefore we cannot compromise our quality and objectives. Mobility Centre will provide adequate space, freedom, security, quality services and affordable prices for the shopping pleasure of all tyre dealers anywhere in Africa.
“We hope to complete and move into the first phase of the centre by May next year, while construction works will continue on phase 2 of the project. I invite all interested tyre dealers to come on board and own a shop there by registering at our secretariat”, he added.
Throwing more light on the subject, the ANTM vice president, Okechukwu Eze Ifeoma, cited insecurity, congestion, constant harassment by area boys and unguarded rent increment as some of the reasons that prompted their decision to move away from Lagos Island to a more business friendly environment.
“Also we saw an urgent need to comply with the directive of Lagos state Government which demands an end to street trading, and that all markets should move away from residential areas. It is for our own good. Imagine people are giving out part of their residential apartments as packing stores for tyres. Every building in this vicinity is loaded with tyres. What if there is fire outbreak? In short, this place is not safe,” Ifeoma concluded.
In a separate interview, the association’s general secretary, Alhaji Lawal Sefiu Olaiya, gave details about the union as well as the new site. Narrating the history of the union, he said it was a group of Yoruba traders who initiated the Enu-Owa street tyre business some years back at Idumota.
On the African Mobility Centre, the ANTM scribe explained that the new site is an ultra-modern international shopping edifice housing 2,000 shops, 20 individual plaza, loading bays and access roads.
“The centre will be built in 2 phases. Phase 1 is a cluster of 1000 shops, 10 personal plaza. This has been fully subscribed for by our members and few stakeholders from outside. It cost N735,000 to own a shop and all those who fulfill their financial obligations has already been issued with letters of allocation.
“The centre is estimated to cost about N2.26 billion naira, which is why we are calling for more investors. The buildings are fireproof as we are not using any wood or flammable substance in its construction. Even the roof is concrete casting. By the way we are going; I want to assure you the media and the general public that our May, 2013 relocation date is a reality,” he added.