By Rayyanu Bala

In the bustling markets of Nasarawa State, traders are the heartbeat of local commerce and community life. Their stalls brim with goods, their voices shape the rhythm of daily trade, and their resilience fuels the informal economy that sustains thousands of families. At the forefront of this vital sector stands Alhaji Musa Aliyu, the Sarkin Shanun of Lafia, a respected traditional leader and a key figure in the market traders’ community. His relationship with the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule reflects a powerful and productive alliance rooted in shared goals: economic empowerment, infrastructural development, and the well-being of the people.

Governor Abdullahi Sule’s tenure is  marked by forward-thinking governance, and his responsiveness to the needs of market traders has not gone unnoticed. Alh. Musa Aliyu, speaking on behalf of traders across the state, has lauded the governor’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for small business owners, describing his leadership as both “astute and empathetic.”

One of the most significant strides under Governor Sule’s administration has been the investment in modern market infrastructure. Across Nasarawa State, dilapidated market spaces are being replaced or renovated into safe, accessible, and well-organized trading environments. According to Alh. Musa Aliyu, these upgrades are more than aesthetic improvements—they are a foundation for dignity and opportunity.

“These markets aren’t just buildings,” he notes. “They are symbols of pride and security for our traders. They represent a government that sees us, values us, and wants us to succeed.”

In a state where traders often face threats such as theft, extortion, and sporadic violence, Governor Sule has made market security a top priority. Through increased police patrols, and the introduction of community policing initiatives, a new sense of safety is emerging within trading hubs.

“Markets must be safe spaces,” says Alh. Musa. “The governor has shown deep understanding of this, and his actions have reassured many of us who depend on daily trading to feed our families.”

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities within informal economies, hitting market traders particularly hard. Restrictions and reduced customer flow threatened livelihoods across Nasarawa state. In response, Governor Sule implemented emergency relief measures, including financial grants, subsidies, and targeted support programs, designed to cushion the blow and support recovery.

“These interventions came at a critical time,” reflects the Sarkin Shanu. “They were not just financial lifelines, but symbols of empathy from a governor who truly leads with the people in mind.”

Beyond immediate relief, the Sule administration has laid the groundwork for long-term economic empowerment. Collaborating with financial institutions, the state has introduced schemes that offer easier access to credit for market traders—many of whom previously struggled to secure loans due to lack of formal documentation or collateral.

This shift has enabled traders to expand operations, increase inventory, and create employment opportunities, further contributing to Nasarawa’s economic growth. For Alh. Musa and his fellow traders, this marks a transformative change in how small businesses engage with the financial system.

Perhaps most notable is the spirit of collaboration that defines the relationship between the government and market associations. Governor Sule has consistently engaged with leaders like Alh. Musa Aliyu, seeking their insights and incorporating their feedback into state policies.

“This partnership is what governance should look like,” says Alh. Musa. “We’re not just beneficiaries of policies, we’re part of shaping them.”

As Nasarawa State continues its journey toward inclusive development, the relationship between Governor Abdullahi Sule’s government and market leaders like Alh. Musa Aliyu stands as a model for other states to emulate. Their collaboration highlights the potential of people-focused governance that listens, responds, and invests in grassroots economic drivers.

For the Sarkin Shannu and thousands of traders across Nasarawa, the governor’s vision is more than a political promise. It’s a lived reality. Markets are growing, traders are thriving, and hope is on the rise.

“We are proud of what we’ve achieved together,” Alh. Musa affirms. “And we are confident that under Governor Sule’s guidance, the future of market trading in Nasarawa state will continue to  look brighter.”

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