...Inaugurates Market Monitoring Team Coordinators Across 17 LGAs
In a decisive step to sanitize the market system and eliminate the menace of illegal, multiple taxation and illegal construction of shops in Enugu State, the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor on Market Liaison, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah, has inaugurated 17 Local Government Area Coordinators for the Peter Mbah Market Monitoring Team, with a stern charge to operate with integrity, transparency, and commitment to the mandate of the state government in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s zero-tolerance approach to Illegal and Multiple taxation across the markets in the 17 local governments in the state.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held in Enugu, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah tasked the newly appointed coordinators to be of good conduct and serve as direct channels for responsive and accurate feedback from the markets to the Liaison Office. He emphasized that their roles are critical in the actualization of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s vision for market reforms across the 17 Local Government Areas.
“You are not political office holders. You are appointees of the government, mandated to coordinate the implementation of state market policies, monitor compliance, and report irregularities, particularly illegal tax collection,” Dr. Mbah stated.
“Let me remind you that your loyalty is to the people and the state government, not to any market association or personal interest. The Governor has made it clear that under his administration, there will be no room for extortion, harassment of traders, or illegal levies.”
This initiative comes on the heels of growing concerns over the continued exploitation of traders by unauthorized revenue collectors and illegal construction of shops in several markets across the state. In response, the Enugu State Government has launched a coordinated effort to curb illegal taxation, ensure a unified tax system, and restore trader confidence.
The Peter Mbah Market Monitoring Team is expected to enforce compliance with state-sanctioned levies only, eliminate the presence of touts, and improve the overall ease of doing business in the markets. Each coordinator is to serve as the eyes and ears of the state government in their respective LGAs, ensuring the effective dissemination and enforcement of government directives.
The role of the newly inaugurated coordinators across the 17 Local Government Areas goes beyond monitoring market activities, they are also expected to serve as grassroots ambassadors of the Enugu State Government’s policies and development initiatives. A key part of their mandate is to educate traders and local communities on the purpose and benefits of government reforms, particularly how taxpayers' money is being transparently utilized to transform rural areas. Through regular engagement, the coordinators are to enlighten market stakeholders on landmark projects such as the Smart Green Schools, Type-C general hospitals, and the ongoing construction of 10-kilometre roads in each of the 260 political wards across the state. By doing so, they help build public trust, encourage voluntary tax compliance, and reinforce the Governor’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development.
The list of the newly inaugurated Coordinators for the 17 LGAs includes:
1. Enugu North – Ahanonu Raymond
2. Enugu South – Sunday Nwonu
3. Enugu East – Prince Obinwanne Nnamani
4. Udenu LGA – Nwodo Robert Chijioke
5. Nkanu East – Prince Ugochukwu Caleb
6. Nkanu West – Ogbodo Aloysius Nnabuchi
7. Oji-River LGA – Asogwa Chima
8. Aninri LGA – Engr. Christopher Uchechukwu Nze
9. Igbo-Etiti LGA – George Ezeugwu
10. Awgu LGA – Prince Charles Uzochukwu
11. Nsukka LGA – Eze Ekene
12. Ezeagu LGA – Okafor Okenna
13. Udi LGA – Mr. Nnamdi Okafor
14. Isi-Uzo LGA – Geral Ugwudike
15. Uzo-Uwani LGA – Eze James Jr
16. Igbo-Eze South LGA – Hon. Ekwueme Ignatius Okechukwu
17. Igbo-Eze North LGA – Mr. Ogbu Darlington Ekene
Dr. Mbah noted that each coordinator is expected to furnish the Governor’s Liaison Office with daily and weekly reports, detailing activities in the markets, compliance levels, and challenges encountered.
This move aligns with the Governor’s economic recovery and development agenda, which seeks to strengthen internally generated revenue (IGR) mechanisms without burdening citizens through illegal or excessive taxation.
The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has consistently reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, touting, and market violence. By appointing these Coordinators, the administration is demonstrating its resolve to restore sanity and fairness to market governance.
Traders and market leaders have welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the initiative will put an end to years of extortion and usher in a new era of accountability and growth in Enugu State’s commercial sector.
While the Coordinators assume their duties, they carry the responsibility of translating the Governor’s reform vision into practical realities in every market space across the state.
