- By Dada Treasure Ololade
Operators at the popular Amu Timber Market located in Amu Street, Olorunshogo, off Mushin Road, Lagos, have cried out to the state government over the deplorable state of the roads in and around the market, as well as the poor environmental sanitation services.
Speaking with The Nation, Adeoye Jamiu Hammed, one of the timber dealers in the market, said despite its widely acclaimed status as the ‘Hub of Woodworking Excellence,’ Amu Timber Market is faced with inadequate environmental sanitation services, leading to dirt accumulation.
He also said the deplorable state of roads in and around the market has become a pain the neck of traders and customers, pointing out that the poor road condition is the cause of regular truck accidents and the attendant huge losses.
Hammed, who is also the son of the Chairman of Amu Timber Market, Alhaji Nasiru Olowoidiobi, said the market, which was ravaged by a devastating fire in February 2020, prompting fears of government’s takeover, was rebuilt from scratch after intense pleading to the authorities.
He, however, lamented that today, traders in the market, which for decades, has been a go-to destination for quality timber, furniture materials, and expert craftsmanship, are faced with new challenges particularly inadequate environmental sanitation services and poor road infrastructure.
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In view of the market’s status as a thriving hub of woodworking businesses, the timber merchant and other critical stakeholders in the market urged the Lagos State Government to urgently improve environmental sanitation and repair and tile the roads to prevent accidents and facilitate smooth operations.
Founded by youngsters from Ilorin in Kwara State, Amu Timber Market has been dominated by Ilorin people, leveraging their expertise in woodworking due to the abundance of trees in their hometown.
Today, the market boasts an array of businesses, including veneer manufacturers, board sellers, and furniture makers. Veneer, a popular alternative to boards, comes in various designs.
Merchants import boards directly from China, while others source locally from Lagos Island due to financial constraints. Edges tape, used for table finishing, is also imported from China.
While Alhaji Jimoh Olowoidiobi is the Baba Oloja General, Olowoidiobi is Chairman of the market.