Aba, a bustling industrial and commercial hub in Abia State, Nigeria, is home to some of West Africa’s most vibrant markets.
While several notable marketplaces like Eziukwu (Cemetery Road), Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Ngwa Road New Market, and Alaoji Spare Parts Market contribute to the city’s commerce, none holds as much prestige or economic significance as Ariaria International Market a marketplace so vital that traders say, “What you can’t find in Ariaria, you won’t find anywhere else.”
Ariaria is more than a market it’s a cultural and economic landmark. Famous for shoemaking, leatherworks, and clothing manufacturing, it boasts over 37,000 stalls and nearly two million traders, including apprentices and aides. It stands as one of West Africa’s largest informal industrial complexes. But behind the fame lies a story of survival, infrastructure collapse, political unrest, and a longing for global competitiveness.
A Market in Transition: Demolition, Relocation, and Hope
The ongoing reconstruction of Ariaria, initiated by the Abia State Government, aims to replace structures built as far back as 1976. While many traders welcome modernization, the process has come at a high cost lives lost, businesses displaced, and trust eroded by past administrations’ actions, including exorbitant shop allocation rates and poorly managed demolitions.
Arinze Ewenike, Secretary of the Ariaria Market Traders Association (AMATA), voiced cautious optimism about the current administration’s approach, noting that Governor Alex Otti has shown more willingness to engage traders and provide long-term infrastructure solutions.
He praised efforts to resolve chronic problems like perennial flooding, unstable power supply, and poor security, while also advocating for affordable shop allocations, metered electricity from Geometrics, and easier access to eastern ports like Onne to support export ambitions.
From Timber Dumpsite to Industrial Powerhouse
Jimmy Iheanacho, an executive of the Ariaria Market Association, explained the market’s evolution: “It began as a timber dumpsite and organically grew into one of Africa’s largest markets.” Today, Ariaria is a hub for footwear, bags, clothes, provisions, livestock, building materials, and hardware, attracting buyers from China, India, Europe, and neighboring African countries.
However, infrastructure failure is pushing customers away. Evans Chibueze, a veteran trader with over 30 years of experience, lamented the loss of international clientele due to bad roads, flooding, and inconsistent utilities.
“Relocation is hard, but necessary,” he said. “We support the government’s effort, but we need clarity, completed shops, and flexible payment plans. When shop rates jumped to ₦4 million, many could not afford them. It caused chaos and even death.”
Economic Powerhouse and Political Influence
The sheer size and activity within Ariaria make it a significant political force in Abia State. In Ward 9 alone, there are over 93 polling units, giving the traders substantial influence during elections.
“If a candidate gains our support, he will go far,” Ewenike noted. “But we need peace. We’ve seen violence erupt over poor handling of policies and overpriced allocations.”
Calls for Visibility and Funding
In response to criticisms of inaction, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, said he had organized six trade exhibitions in Abuja to promote Ariaria’s leather goods. Speaking through media adviser Uchenna Awom, he claimed this led to bulk orders from military and security agencies.
However, Abaribe stated that the traders’ association never formally approached him for grants from constituency funds. He also encouraged them to explore funding from the Bank of Industry (BOI) and other financial institutions.
The Global Illusion: Why Aba Products Are Often Labelled as Foreign
Mazi Tony Gabriel, a wholesale trader in Aba’s Etche Road, exposed a common but often overlooked marketing trick: many products made in Aba are deliberately labelled as “Made in Italy” or “Japan” to satisfy a consumer base that still distrusts Nigerian-made goods.
“It’s a psychological issue. People prefer foreign labels. But Aba-made products today can rival Chinese imports in durability,” he said. “We now use advanced equipment, and the tailoring is precise. Aba-made suits, shoes, and bags are often better than mass-produced ones.”
Social Dynamics: From Hustlers to Hustlers’ Middlemen
Our correspondent observed linkmen, young men who serve as unofficial market guides for a commission. While initially created as a collaborative tool among traders to help buyers find the right goods, the system has now been hijacked by unauthorized middlemen who inflate prices and exploit customers.
One of them, Obinna Eziefula, admitted: “We survive by the grace of God. But this is how we hustle.”
“If You Arrive Broke, Ariaria Will Feed You”
Despite the hardships, Ariaria continues to offer opportunities. Chinenye Ezenye, a trader in traditional attire, said many arrive in Aba with nothing but end up thriving. “This market lifts people. If you’re hardworking, you’ll survive even in this harsh economy.”
She credited Governor Alex Otti for giving hope through infrastructure projects and transparency. “We can finally see some progress.”
Looking Ahead: What Ariaria Needs Now
Traders agree on the urgent needs:
- Stable electricity and internet
- Completed relocation with clear shop ownership terms
- Access to affordable financing and grants
- Port access and improved logistics
- Protection from flooding and better drainage
- Recognition and branding for Made-in-Aba goods
Aba remains one of the few cities in Nigeria where affordable goods, fertile land, and entrepreneurial spirit converge, making it a survival haven for the ordinary man. Ariaria Market is at the heart of that system but unless its chronic infrastructure and policy problems are addressed, its reputation as the factory of Africa may soon be a thing of the past.
