High Chief Cornilus Nnamdi Amajuoyi Unveils New Face of Alaba International Market, Highlights Economic Impact and Calls for Road Infrastructure Upgrade
**By Sesan R.Awobiye**
The President of Alaba International Market, High Chief Cornilus Nnamdi Amajuoyi, has officially unveiled the new face of the Alaba International Market (Electronics), describing the transformation as the fulfillment of a vision to reposition one of Africa’s largest electronics trading hubs into a modern, internationally recognized commercial destination.
Speaking during a press conference to mark the official launch of the market’s new identity, High Chief Amajuoyi reflected on the remarkable journey of the market, paying glowing tribute to its founding fathers whose vision laid the foundation for what has become a major economic powerhouse.
According to him, out of the 13 founding members who established the market, only three are still alive, while the others have passed on after making invaluable contributions to its growth.
He described Alaba International Market as one of Nigeria’s greatest success stories, noting that the market has transformed countless lives by creating wealth, employment, and business opportunities for Nigerians across different backgrounds.
“Alaba has succeeded in creating jobs for the entire nation. This concept has produced billionaires in different currencies of the world and has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs who today manage successful businesses,” he said.
High Chief Amajuoyi disclosed that the market currently provides direct business opportunities for more than 10,000 youths, stressing that many of them are self-employed and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy.
He observed that without the opportunities created by the market, many young people could have become a burden on society, while offering prayers for the deceased founders whose sacrifices made the market what it is today.
Speaking on the transformation project, the market president explained that the initiative was conceived shortly after the current administration assumed office nearly three years ago, following a policy statement encouraging the market to truly reflect its status as an international market.
He revealed that extensive consultations were held with founding fathers, past presidents, executive council members, and other critical stakeholders before embarking on the ambitious restructuring project.
The transformation, he said, goes beyond physical renovation to include improved business models, enhanced operational standards, and a modernized trading environment capable of meeting global expectations.
High Chief Amajuoyi recalled that government agencies had previously demolished about 32 plazas considered structurally distressed, prompting market leaders to engage relevant authorities and obtain approvals to remodel affected structures rather than undertake complete reconstruction.
He noted that the project was successfully executed after securing approvals from relevant government agencies, including the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and other regulatory bodies.
According to him, what many initially dismissed as an impossible dream has now become a visible reality.
“Today, anyone who visits Alaba will agree that the market is wearing a new face,” he declared.
Despite the remarkable transformation, High Chief Amajuoyi expressed concern over the deplorable condition of the access road leading to the market, describing it as a major obstacle to business operations.
He lamented that the road has become a death trap, with heavy-duty containers frequently overturning and causing significant financial losses to importers who often finance their businesses through bank loans.
He appealed to the Lagos State Government and other relevant authorities to urgently rehabilitate the road to complement the market’s newly upgraded infrastructure.
According to him, over 1,000 containers enter Alaba International Market daily, with various government agencies collecting substantial revenues from container movements despite the poor state of the road.
He maintained that improving the road network would not only enhance safety but also boost commerce and strengthen the market’s status as a truly international business destination.
Looking ahead, High Chief Amajuoyi announced that on August 6 and 7, the market would officially showcase its transformation to the world, demonstrating that Alaba International Market is a well-organized commercial hub operating in line with international standards.
He expressed confidence that the unveiling marks the beginning of a new era for the market, reaffirming the leadership’s commitment to sustaining reforms that will further enhance trade, attract investment, and strengthen Alaba International Market’s position as Africa’s leading electronics marketplace.
About Author
