Traders, Nigerian Army bicker over quit notice in Yaba

The Nigerian Army has issued a quit notice to around 70 shop owners on Hussey Street in Yaba, Lagos, instructing them to vacate their shops by Friday, September 6.

A failure to comply could result in the loss of their businesses. Some traders, who have been operating in the area for over 20 years, expressed frustration at the lack of progress in their discussions with the hospital regarding the issue.

Their attempts to reach an amicable agreement with the area’s management have been unsuccessful. Upon reaching out to the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, for comment, he requested time to respond but had yet to do so after two days.

The affected shops are located between the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) gate and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) building, extending to the military hospital in Yaba.

The traders also alleged extortion by military personnel. Speaking on behalf of the traders, Ori Ezekiel revealed, “The army came and informed us that they intend to renovate this place, but they assured us that they were not forcing us out. Apart from our regular dues, they did not demand any additional payments. They claimed that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) had ordered everyone to vacate, which surprised us. They stated their intention to demolish the area and set a deadline of Friday.”

Another trader, who remained anonymous, stated, “We haven’t done anything wrong. We were informed that the COAS would visit this area and did not wish to see us here. This came as a shock to us. I don’t know where to relocate my goods. We are distressed. I have been conducting business here for almost 20 years, and this is the first time the Army has asked us to leave. We pay a monthly fee of N2,000 after constructing the shops ourselves, and we have never defaulted in payment. We require assistance in relocating before Friday.”

Another trader expressed, “We were given one week to vacate. We suspect that they intend to rebuild the shops. We need assistance.”