Businessman, Godswill Chiori, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to allow the establishment of Association of Hawkers and Petty Traders in Nigeria.
In a letter to the President, National Assembly, and concerned government agencies, Chiori said hawking, as an age-old trade, has played a role in empowering individuals and families.
He added ‘hawking has been a means of survival and self-reliance for many, allowing them to provide for their families and contribute to their communities’.
Chiori, however, lamented that child labour, security risks, extortion, and absence of regulation are pressing issues that have marred hawking in Nigeria’.
“It is essential 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, to serve as a platform to address challenges and transform hawking into a dignified and sustainable livelihood option.
“This association will provide a formal bureaucratic process, regulatory oversight, and social support for members.”
Outlining the association’s objectives, Chiori said every hawker will be required to register with the association. The registration process, he added, will include identification details, verification procedures, and operating licence.
“There will also be licensing and identification, where hawkers will get a uniform and identification card to ensure only authorised individuals are permitted to hawk goods. This measure will enhance security of hawkers and the public.
“Also, producers of hawked goods will register with the association and pay annual fee before their products can be legally sold in traffic or through hawking channels. This process will regulate quality and safety of products sold by hawkers.
“There will also be social support, where the association will utilise collected fees, with contributions from FMCGs and subscribing companies, to establish a support system for members…’’
This system will include medical assistance, education scholarships and general maintenance of the association’s activities,” he added.