The Chairman of the Berger Business Community (BBC), Chief Nnazor Luke Chikelue, has said the association's support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) is driven by governance and economic considerations rather than ethnic affiliation.
Chikelue, popularly known as Akaomajiaku, said members of the predominantly Igbo business community identify with the ruling party because of what they consider its contributions to infrastructure, commerce and economic growth at the local, state and federal levels.
Speaking on the activities and development of the community, he dismissed claims that the Igbo trading community does not support the APC.
"Our members have invested their lives and resources here. Supporting the government is not about ethnicity; it is about protecting our businesses, creating opportunities for development and ensuring that government pays attention to our needs," he said.
According to him, traders and entrepreneurs within the community support policies that create a conducive environment for business and encourage engagement with government authorities on issues affecting investment and trade.
"The association's support for the APC stems from our belief that businesses thrive better when stakeholders engage positively with those responsible for policy formulation and infrastructure development," he said.
Quoting an Igbo proverb, *"Ebe onye bi ka ona awachi"* (people protect where they live and invest), Chikelue said members remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote economic stability and business growth.
He spoke while highlighting the role of the Berger Business Community, located along Kirikiri Road in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Chikelue described the market as the largest truck spare parts hub in Western Nigeria, serving truck owners, transport operators, mechanics and dealers from across the country.
"The market specialises in truck and trailer spare parts, including Mercedes, MAN, DAF, Scania and other leading brands. We have both new and fairly used spare parts available in large quantities," he said.
According to him, the association is the only market body in the local government officially recognised by council authorities, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the host community.
He disclosed that the association has about 700 registered members, many of whom employ workers and apprentices, making the market a significant contributor to economic activity and job creation in Lagos State.
Despite its growth, Chikelue identified inadequate space as the market's biggest challenge, noting that the absence of a properly designated layout has limited expansion and storage capacity.
"Many dealers cannot import or stock larger quantities of goods because of space constraints. We have continued to appeal to government authorities for intervention that will allow the market to expand and reach its full potential," he said.
He, however, commended the Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government for maintaining a cordial relationship with the association and supporting its activities over the years.
On internal administration, the chairman said low attendance at meetings remains a concern despite the size of the association.
"Sometimes, out of about 700 members, only a little over 100 attend meetings. Yet participation is crucial for the growth and development of the community," he said.
Reviewing achievements recorded since assuming office in 2024, Chikelue cited improvements in environmental sanitation, rehabilitation of a damaged culvert leading to the Mechanic Village and repairs to roads affected by flooding.
He said regular drainage clearance exercises had improved sanitation and accessibility within the market.
The chairman also highlighted security improvements, including the installation of streetlights and surveillance cameras at strategic locations.
According to him, the measures have helped create a safer environment for traders, customers and visitors.
Chikelue further disclosed that his administration had made progress in resolving longstanding disputes within the community through dialogue and reconciliation.
"We established a peace committee involving representatives of previously opposing groups, and that has helped improve harmony and stability within the association," he said.
Looking ahead, he revealed that construction of a permanent office complex for the community had commenced, fulfilling one of the key promises made during his election campaign.
"We will continue to embrace inclusive leadership by consulting widely with stakeholders before embarking on major projects and programmes," he said.
Expressing optimism about the future of the market, Chikelue said ongoing initiatives would further strengthen the Berger Business Community's position as a leading commercial centre and a major truck spare parts market in Western Nigeria.
