In the bustling markets of Cross River State, a troubling trend has emerged, casting a long shadow over the lives of thousands of market women. These women, who play a crucial role in the local economy, are grappling with a dual burden: the oppressive weight of multiple levies imposed by both government and non-state actors, and the dire threat of infections due to the poor sanitary conditions prevalent in the marketplaces. Despite their hard work and the significant taxes they pay, basic amenities like clean water remain out of reach, highlighting a stark neglect of their fundamental needs.
Tina Agosi Todo of the Guardian Nigeria sheds light on the plight of these women, revealing a landscape marred by exploitation and poverty. In the Marian Market in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, traders like Mrs. Blessing Iqwo navigate a precarious environment that threatens their health and livelihoods. Iqwo, a tomato and pepper seller, experienced a heart-wrenching ordeal when a simple visit to a public toilet resulted in an infection that caused her to miscarry during her second trimester in 2021. Her story is not just one of personal tragedy but a stark example of the broader implications of the state’s failure to provide basic public health infrastructure.
The National Union of Shops and Distributive Employees (NUSDE) reports that the Marian Market is just one of many such markets where traders face these challenges. Across the four main markets in the state, there are an estimated 19,400 traders. These markets are not only centers of commerce but also epicenters of a systemic issue that affects thousands of families across the region.
The issue of multiple levies is particularly egregious. Traders are subjected to a bewildering array of taxes and fees that are collected not just by government bodies but also by various non-state actors who impose their own charges. For instance, a typical day at the market could see traders paying up to N700 daily, with fees reaching as high as N1,600 on market days, significantly cutting into their meager profits. Although there has been some respite with the reduction of fees to N200 daily and N400 on Saturdays, the financial burden remains high.
This rampant over-taxation is compounded by a lack of accountability about where these funds are going, as the conditions in the markets have not noticeably improved. The markets lack basic sanitation facilities, clean water supply, and proper waste disposal systems, creating hazardous working conditions that directly impact the health of traders and their customers alike.
Traders are often faced with harassment and intimidation by the agents who collect these fees. If the traders cannot pay, they risk having their goods confiscated or destroyed—a brutal enforcement tactic that only adds to their hardships. The Guardian’s investigations reveal a troubling picture of exploitation, with the government and thugs collectively raking in approximately N395.76 million monthly from these hardworking women, totaling up to N4.75 billion annually.
This situation not only undermines the economic stability of the traders but also poses significant public health risks. The lack of clean water and adequate sanitation facilities leads to preventable diseases, further straining the already limited healthcare resources. Pregnant women like Iqwo are particularly vulnerable, as are their unborn children, highlighting a critical intersection of public health and women’s rights issues.
Despite these challenges, the state government has made efforts to address the situation by implementing tax rebates for the poor and vulnerable and launching initiatives aimed at improving market conditions. However, the effectiveness of these measures is still to be fully realized, as reports from traders suggest that multiple taxations and poor market conditions persist.
The plight of these traders is a glaring example of how systemic inefficiencies and corruption can undermine economic development and public health. It is a call to action for more robust and transparent governance that truly addresses the needs of its citizens. As the state moves forward, it is imperative that these issues are tackled head-on, ensuring that the markets of Cross River are not only vibrant economic centers but also safe and healthy environments for all who work there.
Source: The Guardian
