Utako Traders Seek Government Aid After ₦1bn Fire Loss

The Electrical Dealers Association (EDA) in Utako District, Abuja, has appealed to the Federal Government and the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA) for assistance after a fire incident on Sunday last week resulted in the destruction of goods valued at over ₦1 billion across approximately 50 shops. One trader reportedly lost goods worth over ₦500 million, while another, Mr. Edward Davis, stated his losses exceeded ₦20 million.

Davis expressed the traders' helplessness and reliance on government support to restore their shops. Nze Boniface Chukwneta, an EDA official, praised the quick response of fire-fighting agencies, including Julius Berger and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which helped control the blaze and prevent further damage.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the EDA plans to conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and prevent future incidents. The complex, built by the traders over 20 years ago, houses about 340 shops.