Members of the Tile Dealers Association staged a peaceful protest at the Ebonyi Integrated Building Materials Market on April 7, 2026, in response to a N30,000 levy per shop and a N35,000 penalty for late payment. The protest underscores the traders’ concerns regarding the financial burdens imposed on them, which they deem excessive and lacking in transparency.
Traders have voiced their frustrations, alleging that attempts to seek clarification on how these funds are utilized have been met with hostility. Augustine Ene, the Chairman of the Tile Dealers Association, described the charges as arbitrary and disproportionate, emphasizing that traders have a right to know how their contributions are being used.
Furthermore, the leadership of the association has accused local authorities of sealing shops belonging to defaulters without due process, exacerbating tensions within the market. Protesters carried placards with messages such as “We No Go Gree” and “End Bad Governance,” reflecting their demand for accountability and fair treatment.
In a related context, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has encouraged parents and candidates to protest if they are not admitted despite having valid UTME scores. Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the JAMB registrar, stated that the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) has ensured transparency in admissions since its implementation in 2017, with no reported problems.
Oloyede urged those affected to come forward and protest if they believe they should have been admitted. He highlighted that CAPS has made the admissions process easier and more transparent, reinforcing the importance of accountability in educational admissions.
As the situation unfolds, the Tile Dealers Association continues to seek dialogue with local authorities to address their grievances. The traders remain adamant that they will not accept financial impositions without clear justification.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential resolutions or responses from the Ebonyi state government or the local market leadership. The outcome of these protests could significantly impact the relationship between traders and local authorities moving forward.