Thousands of Igbo traders currently operating in Lagos are set to relocate to the new Idodo Market City in Enugu State, officials said, as part of a major commercial partnership aimed at boosting private sector-led growth and expanding access to international markets.

The planned migration follows assurances from Enugu State authorities on security, infrastructure development, and economic reforms intended to position the state as a leading commercial hub in Nigeria’s South East region.

A senior government official, speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, said the partnership with international traders was a deliberate effort to build a sustainable business ecosystem in the state.

“Enugu State is providing leadership; leadership that works,” the official said, adding that the state had taken unprecedented steps to integrate traders into the global market.

Addressing traders’ security concerns, the official described Enugu as the safest state for business operations in Nigeria. He noted that tackling insecurity was Governor Peter Mbah’s top priority, recalling that the governor had pledged to grow the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years.

Early measures included the enforcement of security strategies to end disruptive sit-at-home orders, the establishment of a technology-driven Command and Control Centre, and the deployment of surveillance systems and drones to monitor communities in real time.

“Today, there is nowhere a crime can take place in Enugu State without being detected. Arrests are made daily. Investors can operate without molestation,” the official said.

Economic reforms, he added, have largely focused on private sector-led growth through public-private partnerships. The state’s 2025 budget projected internally generated revenue at N500 billion, but by the end of the year, Enugu had recorded over N400 billion, marking a significant increase for a state historically reliant on civil service activity.

Infrastructure projects, including the construction of more than 1,000 roads across the metropolis, are also being implemented to facilitate commerce and ease of doing business.

Analysts said the relocation of Igbo traders from Lagos could reshape regional trade patterns and position Enugu as a commercial hub in the southeast. Stakeholders said the initiative, if successfully implemented, could stimulate industrial growth, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the regional economy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged voters, political parties, and security agencies to maintain calm, orderliness, and restraint ahead of Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the states of Kano and Rivers.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct polls in the six area councils of the FCT, as well as bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies in Rivers State, and Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.

In a statement, President Tinubu called on all eligible voters to participate without fear, stressing that democracy thrives in an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect. He appealed to political parties and candidates to avoid violence, inflammatory statements, or any actions that could undermine the electoral process.

The president also warned against intimidation or any form of disenfranchisement, emphasizing that security personnel are deployed to protect lives, property, and the integrity of the vote.

He further urged INEC to ensure smooth accreditation, accurate collation, timely transmission of results, and measures that strengthen voters’ confidence, in line with the 2026 Electoral Act.

“Fellow Nigerians, I commend your civic consciousness and assure you that these elections will reflect the will of the people, strengthening our democratic journey,” President Tinubu said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on voters, security agencies, and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct themselves in an orderly manner during Saturday’s polls in the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Kano and Rivers.

The President issued the call in a statement on Friday. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, signed the press release detailing the President’s appeal.

INEC will conduct elections in the six area councils of the FCT and bye-elections in the Ahoada East II and Khana II State constituencies of Rivers State, and in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.

President Tinubu urged all eligible voters to come out and vote without fear, emphasising that the democratic process thrives best in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance, and mutual respect.

He appealed to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to shun violence, inflammatory statements, and actions that undermine the credibility of the process.

He cautioned against any form of high-handedness, intimidation, or actions that could disenfranchise voters or erode public trust, stressing that security personnel are present to protect lives, property, and the sanctity of the ballot.

President Tinubu appealed to the Commission to take all necessary measures to bolster voters’ confidence by ensuring timely accreditation, smooth voting processes, accurate collation, and prompt transmission of results, in line with the 2026 Electoral Act.

Onanuga quoted the President as assuring Nigerians of continued government support for institutions responsible for delivering free, fair, and credible elections.

“Fellow Nigerians, I assure you that the Federal Government under my administration will continue to support institutions responsible for delivering free, fair, and credible elections,” President Tinubu said.

“To all residents of the FCT, Kano and Rivers, I commend your civic consciousness. I am confident that these elections will reflect the will of the people and further strengthen our democratic journey as a nation,” the President added.