“Why Afor Umuaka Market dissolved all commodity unions.” Uzoma Achazie.

The chairman of Afor Umuaka Market Management Committee Chief Uzoma Achazie has explained in details why the management committee dissolved all commodity unions operating within the market with immediate effect. The committee cited serious concerns over price fixing, monopoly, and practices it says have hindered free trade. In a communiqué dated June 24, 2026, and titled “Dissolution of All Commodity Unions in Afor Umuaka,” the committee announced that all commodity-based unions and associations in the market have ceased to exist.

The directive affects several commodity groups, including the Cow and Goat Butchers Union, Chicken Sellers Union, Tomato Union, Fresh Fish Union, Crayfish Union, Stock fish Union, and other similar associations. According to the committee, only officially designated trading lines and sections established by the Afor Umuaka Market Management Committee will henceforth be recognized.

The committee explained that the decision became necessary following persistent complaints that some commodity unions were arbitrarily influencing and fixing prices of goods, thereby creating an unhealthy business environment and placing undue financial burdens on consumers.

It stated that the abolition of the unions is intended to promote fair competition, encourage free enterprise, and allow traders to determine the prices of their goods based on prevailing market conditions rather than directives from commodity associations.

The committee also assured traders and customers that Afor Umuaka Market remains open to everyone, irrespective of their place of origin. It emphasized that traders from Umuaka, neighbouring communities, other parts of the state, and beyond are free to conduct business without intimidation, harassment, or interference from any dissolved union or external group.

The statement warned that any individual or group found operating or enforcing the activities of any dissolved commodity union would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Afor Umuaka Market Management Committee, Chief Uzoma Achazie, and the Secretary, Mr. Chibuike Duruoha.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Umuaka Times last week, Chief Achazie confirmed that the communiqué was issued by his office and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to sanitizing the market.

According to him, the only legally recognized association in Afor Umuaka Market is the Afor Umuaka Market Traders Association, adding that all commodity associations are operating illegally.

“At Afor Umuaka today, there are commodity associations whose activities are highly detrimental to free trade,” he said. “For example, anyone who wants to sell ice fish in the market is allegedly required to pay about ₦250,000 as registration fees and provide items such as cartons of stout and malt before being allowed to trade.”

Chief Achazie alleged that some commodity groups deliberately prevent new traders from entering the market in order to eliminate competition and keep prices high.

“They do not want outsiders to come in and compete with them. By dissolving these associations, we have succeeded in removing monopoly from the market,” he stated.

He further warned that any trader or shop owner who violates the new directive would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

“We want to sanitize Afor Umuaka and make it a truly free market for everyone,” he said. “We have also stopped the practice whereby certain individuals allegedly impose illegal levies on traders bringing goods into the market. This new rule is also applicable to the Relief Market.”

Meanwhile, many residents of Umuaka have welcomed the decision. Several community members who reacted to the communiqué expressed optimism that the policy would encourage healthy competition, reduce arbitrary price increases, and make the market more accessible to traders and consumers alike.

According to an independent investigation conducted by Umuaka Times last year, prices of goods and services are very expensive at Afor Umuaka than at other markets in the entire Orlu Zone and Owerri.