The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) in Oyo State has expressed serious concerns regarding ongoing fraudulent activities involving a fake association attempting to affiliate itself with NANTS through dubious means. The association has raised alarm over the involvement of a compromised former secretary, the Ministry of Trade, and certain individuals in the political sphere, who, according to NANTS, have been engaged in conspiratorial acts against its legitimate operations.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Oyo State chapter, NANTS called on Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in the matter, while commending his leadership in the state. The association has been receiving numerous complaints from its aggrieved members, who allege that a fake group has been attempting to forcefully marry itself to NANTS through criminal acts.
The controversy traces back to the tenure of the former Secretary, who was expelled and dismissed for allegedly inserting the names of unknown associations into NANTS’ records in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade under the leadership of Hon. Niyi Adebisi. NANTS claims that it was during this period that a group, affiliated with Saraat Aduke Konibaje and Nureni Alade of the All Agric Association, tried to hijack the association’s registration and impose themselves on its operations.
“Clusters are not permitted to join NANTS at the state level, as clearly stated in the Southwest Leaders’ Communique of 2018. Our association is registered in 33 local governments in Oyo State, and members must affiliate individually through their respective local government markets,” the statement read.
NANTS further emphasized that it had sent a formal letter of disclaimer to the Oyo State Ministry of Trade on September 18, 2024, following the expiration of the Market Leaders Council’s tenure. Despite this, on December 17, 2024, a group of unknown individuals, using forged documents and letterheads, allegedly wrote to the Ministry of Trade, impersonating NANTS’ state executive committee and continuing illegal activities in the name of the association.
The association has raised serious concerns about the involvement of Mr. Akeem Kareem, a representative from the Ministry of Trade, claiming that he has been complicit in the fraudulent activities. NANTS clarified that the Ministry of Trade has no jurisdiction over its operations, as it is a national body with its own structure, recognized by the federal government.
“NANTS is registered under the Ministry of Trade with a letter of recognition from our national headquarters. The ministry should have no role in determining our leadership or our internal affairs,” the statement asserted.
In addition, NANTS revealed that the Ministry of Trade had been misled into recognizing multiple secretaries from the fake association, including the alleged reintroduction of expelled members, such as Ademola Adebayo. NANTS has called for an immediate investigation into the activities of those involved in manipulating the association’s records.
The association also pointed fingers at political figures, particularly Hon. Niyi Adebisi and Nureni Alade, accusing them of using their political influence to destabilize the peaceful operations of the traders. NANTS urged them to focus on their political affairs and refrain from interfering in the business operations of traders.
“We have always worked with the government and key political leaders, including Hon. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Hon. Bayo Lawal, and Hon. Ademola Ojo, without any issues of victimization. Why the sudden interference now? We ask the state government to ensure that these disruptions stop and allow us to conduct our business peacefully,” NANTS stated.
The association has also appealed to Senator Monsurat Sunmonu to step in and caution the two political figures, stressing that their actions are disturbing the peace and progress of traders in Oyo State.
“We are calling on the office of the Head of Service to conduct an urgent investigation into the involvement of Mr. Akeem Kareem and his collaboration with these fake groups. NANTS will not hesitate to escalate this matter to the appropriate government authorities if no action is taken,” the statement concluded.
As the situation intensifies, NANTS has vowed to take all necessary steps to protect its members and ensure that the integrity of its operations is upheld. The association also warned that any further victimization or threats against its leaders, particularly Southwest Coordinator Mrs. Odunayo Kayode, would not be tolerated.
“NANTS will not stand by and allow the lives of its members or their families to be threatened. We have instructed our Leader Mrs Danjuma to break Silents on what leads to the Victimization as we demand peace, fairness, and accountability,” the association asserted.
With the crisis continuing to unfold, all eyes are now on Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to intervene and restore order, ensuring that Oyo State remains a place where traders can thrive without fear of political or fraudulent interference.
