Some mechanics and other auto technicians in Lagos State have appealed to Gov. Babatunde Fashola to consider re-opening the closed Ladipo Spare Parts Market. Making the appeal in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, the mechanics said that the continued closure of the market had impacted negatively on their businesses. They complained that traders in the other smaller markets were capitalising on the closure to exploit them.
NAN recalls that the Lagos State Government had shut down the market on Feb. 23, over poor sanitary condition and the haphazard way in which the traders conducted their business.
During his visit to the market on March 7, Fashola decried the filth in the market, insisting a more clean-up would be done before it could be re-opened.
Mr Jamiu Aluko, a specialist in Ford vehicles in the Mechanic Village, Ayobo, said the closure had significantly reduced the volume of work he undertook.
``Honestly, the closure of Ladipo is really affecting my business.
“I specialise in the repair of Ford automobiles and Ladipo is the only market where I can get all the parts I need to do most of my jobs.
``I have tried Oyingbo and Jankara markets, they are not just giving me all I want.
“Now, there are many vehicles still waiting to be fixed in my workshop because I can`t easily get some of the parts.
``Of course, customers would not pay if you don`t do their jobs. So, there has not been much to take home. Business has been low,`` he said.
Another mechanic at Iyana Ipaja, Mr Taju Tijani, said though, he could still get parts for Japanese cars in the other markets, the prices were prohibitive.
``Since the closure of Ladipo, we have been buying parts at high prices at the markets.
“The traders are just capitalising on the situation to exploit us and make our business dull.
“Imagine, I bought a fairly used Honda car gear at Jankara last week for N65,000 and that was about the fairest I got there. Normally, that gear should not cost more than N45,000.
``This price hike is affecting our businesses because customers are not willing to pay more, even when we offer explanations.
“They tell us they would rather repair their cars when the price is down.
``I hope the government and traders will reach an agreement on their differences on the shut market. I cannot wait until things come back to normal,`` he said.
However, a panel beater in Egbeda, who simply identified himself as Dele, said the closure had no negative impact on his business as he could source parts at other nearby markets.
``Ladipo or no Ladipo, business and patronage have been the same for me.
“Why do I need to go to Ladipo when I can buy everything I need for my work, even at the closest market here in Alaguntan?
``I get replacements for damaged exhausts, bumpers and so on everywhere. So, the closure of Ladipo really makes little meaning to me and my business,`` he said.
Also commenting, Mr Emeka Onyebushi, a customer at Mechanic Village, Ayobo, blamed the closure of the market on the traders.
Onyebushi said that no serious government would tolerate the pervasive dirt and disorder in the market.
He, therefore, appealed to the traders to ensure the cleanliness of the market for its re-opening soon.
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