The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has reaffirmed its constitutional responsibility to protect the rights and welfare of traders and recognized local traders’ associations across Nigeria, stressing that the association remains the legitimate umbrella body for traders with a mandate to promote justice, unity, and lawful representation.
In a statement signed by Chief Mrs. Odunayo Kayode Danjuma, National Woman Leader and Southwest Regional Coordinator of NANTS, the association emphasized that it is duly registered with the Federal Ministry of Trade and operates across Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region as a recognized body representing the interests of traders.
According to the statement, NANTS’ National Headquarters is solely responsible for appointing State Coordinators and Regional Coordinators. Upon appointment, letters of introduction are forwarded to the respective State Ministries of Trade for official recognition and collaboration.
The association further clarified that only the National Working Committee (NWC), acting through the Office of the National President, has the authority to appoint or terminate the appointment of any State Coordinator.
“NANTS State Coordinators are saddled with the responsibility of protecting the interests of local traders’ associations within their respective states, defending the rights of traders, and ensuring that justice prevails in all market-related matters,” the statement noted.
It explained that State Coordinators are expected to safeguard the internal affairs of market associations from being hijacked by unscrupulous individuals while ensuring that traders continue to “drink from the unpolluted stream of justice.”
The association also outlined the responsibilities of State Coordinators in supervising executive elections of local traders’ associations. Under the NANTS structure, market association executives serve a two-year tenure, renewable for another two years, with elections conducted under the supervision of the State Coordinator to ensure transparency and credibility.
In addition, State Coordinators are expected to work closely with their respective state governments, submit quarterly reports to their Regional Coordinators and the National Headquarters, and maintain an updated membership database, which is centrally managed by the national body.
The statement observed that most NANTS State Coordinators are accomplished traders with a strong commitment to justice and human rights, qualities considered essential for protecting the integrity of the association.
It added that the National President and Founder of NANTS is a successful trader with a PhD in Law, supported by a formidable legal department that ensures the association operates strictly within the provisions of the law.
The association also commended the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for what it described as his continuous support for traders and his commitment to maintaining economic stability in the state.
NANTS equally appreciated the immediate past Commissioner for Trade, Alhaja Fausat Sanni, stating that despite her brief tenure, she quickly understood the concerns of legitimate market leaders and worked to protect the integrity of Governor Makinde’s administration.
The association urged the newly appointed Commissioner for Trade to build on the achievements of previous commissioners, particularly Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Chief Ademola Ojo (Ijaya), and Alhaja Fausat Sanni, by upholding fairness, transparency, and the rule of law in matters affecting traders and market associations.
NANTS concluded by reiterating its commitment to defending the constitutional rights of traders, strengthening legitimate market leadership, and promoting peaceful collaboration between traders and government institutions across Nigeria.
Signed:
Chief Mrs. Odunayo Kayode Danjuma
National Woman Leader / Southwest Regional Coordinator
National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS)
