Hipcity recently paid a scheduled advocacy visit to the Urban Affairs department of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, to fashion out ways to help develop markets in informal settlement for rural women.
The session highlighted the significant work Hipcity Innovation Centre has done in urban development within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), focusing on understanding poverty dynamics and proposing actionable recommendations.
Bassey Bassey, Executive Director of Hipcity, highlighted a major concern, which is the difficulty women face in accessing stalls in urban markets and the harassment they endure from the Abuja Environmental Protection Board. He suggested creating market designs with dedicated spaces for informal markets, developed by experienced consultants, and presented to the government for consideration.
Bassey also introduced the publication “Abuja: A City For All,” which contains strategic recommendations for urban development.
The Assistant Director of Urban Affairs, Makama Abubakar, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the informal sector, which is vital to a thriving economy. He reiterated the government’s role in funding and managing informal markets, emphasizing their affordability and orderly nature. He encouraged Hipcity to explore collaborative efforts with Urban Affairs. He assured that any proposals would be reviewed and approved through the proper channels.
Ruare R. Ailende, Assistant Director for Finance, explained the organized structure of the informal market sector, particularly for those involved in plastics collection. She noted that government markets are maintained through levies and annual rents.
Laraba Danjuma, a resident of Durumi, shared the community’s struggles, particularly for women needing a market space, and expressed hope for tangible results from the discussions.
This meeting marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges of informal markets in Abuja, with a collaborative approach between Hipcity Innovation Centre and Urban Affairs promising potential solutions and improvements.
