A Nigerian entrepreneur, Godswill Cole Chiori, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to allow the establishment of Association of Hawkers and Petty Traders in Nigeria.
In an open letter addressed to the President, members of the National Assembly, Ministers of Labour and Employment, Commerce and Industry and all concerned government agencies, Chiori stated that hawking, as an age-old trade, has played a significant role in empowering individuals and families to escape poverty and create economic opportunities since time immemorial.
Godswill added that hawking has been a means of survival and self-reliance for many, allowing them to provide for their families and contribute to their communities.
The businessman however, said that use of child labour, security risks, extortion, and the absence of regulation are some of the pressing issues that have marred the reputation of hawking in Nigeria.
“It is essential that we address these concerns to create a dignified and regulated trade environment for hawkers while preserving the cultural significance of this trade.
“I propose the establishment of an Association of Hawkers and Petty Traders in Nigeria, which will serve as a pivotal platform to address the aforementioned challenges and transform the hawking trade into a dignified and sustainable livelihood option for all participants.
“This association will provide a formal bureaucratic process, regulatory oversight, and social support for its members,” he said.
Outlining the key objectives of the association, he said that there will be a formal registration, whereby every hawker engaged in the trade of hawking or petty trading will be required to register with the Association.
The registration process, he said, will include necessary identification details, verification procedures, and obtaining a license to operate.
He also identified licensing and identification, where hawkers will be provided with a uniform and identification card, ensuring that only authorized individuals are permitted to hawk their goods.
“This measure will enhance the security of both the hawkers and the general public.
“Also, producers of hawked goods will be required to register with the Association and pay an annual fee before their products can be legally sold in traffic or through hawking channels. This process will help regulate the quality and safety of products sold by hawkers.
“There will also be social support, where the Association will utilize the collected fees, along with contributions from FMCGs and subscribing companies, to establish a support system for its members.
“This system will include medical assistance, scholarships for education, and general maintenance of the association’s activities,” he said.
On the implementation strategy, he suggested that a comprehensive bill should be drafted to encompass the legal framework necessary for establishing the Association for Hawkers and Petty Traders.
This bill, he said, should outline the licensing process, regulatory guidelines, fee structure, and the responsibilities of all stakeholders involved.
He stressed that there would also be public awareness and consultation such that extensive public awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate the hawkers, producers, and the general public about the benefits and implications of the proposed association.
“Stakeholders’ opinions, concerns, and suggestions should be solicited through consultations and town hall meetings to ensure inclusivity.
“There should be collaborations and partnerships so that they would collaborate with relevant government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and other organizations to implement the necessary infrastructure, such as registration centers, training programs, and monitoring mechanisms. Seek partnerships with FMCGs, companies, and NGOs to secure additional support for the Association’s initiatives.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
WEEK BRIEF: Emefiele’s suspension, arrest and Nigeria Air’s revelations top news
The story of the suspension of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele by President Bola Tinubu broke the internet on…
95% of Nigerian male celebrities, including myself, ‘do both men and women’ — Actor Uche Maduagwu
Controversial Nollywood actor Uche Maduagwu has claimed that no fewer than 95% of both married and single celebrities, including…
Real Reason Tinubu suspended Emefiele — FG
President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, ordered immediate suspension of Mr Godwin Emefiele as…
10 points from President Tinubu’s Democracy Day broadcast
In commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day celebration, President Bola Tinubu made his…
[PHOTOS] Hilda Baci: Lady begins 120 hours cook-a-thon to break Guinness Records
DURING his inauguration speech, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that the era of…
SERIE A: Victor Osimhen becomes first African to win Capocannoniere award
A chef identified as Damilola Adeparusi has begun a 120-hour cooking marathon in Oye Local Government Area in…
and then