The Chairman of Berger Business Community (BBC), Chief Nnazor Luke Chikelue, popularly known as Akaomajiaku, has outlined the structure, achievements, and challenges of the truck spare parts market located along Kirikiri Road in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Chief Chikelue, who has led the association since his election in 2024, said the community remains the only market association within the local government with formal certification from the council authorities. According to him, the recognition also extends to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the host community, giving the association full legal and administrative standing.
He explained that Berger Business Community’s jurisdiction spans from the Oba’s Palace through Trinity Junction near Fidelity Bank, marking its operational boundary with the Trinity axis.
The chairman clarified that the market should not be mistaken for Ojodu Berger in Lagos, stressing that BBC is a distinct commercial hub reputed as the largest truck spare parts market in the Western region of Nigeria.
“We deal in all categories of truck and trailer spare parts, including brands such as Mercedes, MAN, DAF, and Scania. Both new and fairly used (Tokunbo) parts are available in large quantities,” he said, adding that the market’s proximity to Mile 2 and Kirikiri Bus Stop enhances accessibility for buyers and transporters.
Chief Chikelue disclosed that the association currently has about 700 registered members, many of whom also engage apprentices, thereby expanding the market’s economic impact and employment base.
On governance, he noted that the executive tenure runs for three years, renewable for another term, subject to members’ approval.
Space Constraints, Infrastructure Needs
Despite its commercial significance, the chairman identified inadequate space as the market’s most pressing challenge.
He described BBC as operating partly as a street market due to the absence of a fully designated market layout, a situation he said restricts expansion and limits the volume of goods traders can stock.
“Many large-scale dealers cannot bring in more goods because of space limitations. This has continued to affect business growth, and we have appealed to the government for intervention,” he said.
He, however, commended Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government for maintaining cordial relations with the association, noting that both parties have continued to discharge their responsibilities without conflict.
Political Positioning
Addressing perceptions that the predominantly Igbo market community does not support the ruling party, Chief Chikelue dismissed the claim as unfounded.
Quoting an Igbo adage, “Ebe onye bi ka ona awachi” (people protect where they have interests), he said political support within the market is driven by economic protection rather than ethnicity.
He stated that the association aligns with the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the local, state, and federal levels, emphasizing that traders believe supporting the governing party enhances business security and access to government benefits.
Leadership Challenges
Managing a large and diverse membership, he admitted, comes with administrative difficulties, particularly low meeting attendance due to traders’ tight business schedules.
“Out of about 700 members, meeting attendance sometimes drops to just over 100. Yet participation is key to collective progress,” he said.
Achievements Recorded
Highlighting accomplishments under his leadership, Chief Chikelue pointed to major improvements in environmental sanitation across the market.
“When I assumed office, the environmental sanitation condition of the market improved significantly. The transformation was so noticeable that even non-members reached out to commend the association’s efforts.”
He also cited infrastructure interventions executed by the association, including the repair of a long-damaged culvert leading to the Mechanic Village and the rehabilitation of adjoining road portions prone to flooding.
Drainage clearance, he added, has been sustained to improve sanitation and accessibility.
Security and public lighting have also received attention, with the association installing streetlights and surveillance cameras in strategic locations, complementing government efforts.
Peace Building, Office Project
The chairman further revealed that his administration has made progress in resolving a longstanding internal crisis within the community.
According to him, a peace committee comprising representatives of previously opposing groups has been inaugurated, leading to restored calm.
Looking ahead, he said the association has commenced construction of a permanent office complex, one of the key promises made during his leadership campaign.
Chief Chikelue assured members that his executive remains committed to inclusive governance, noting that annual programmes and projects are being designed through consultations with stakeholders and executive organs of the association.
“I adopted this inclusive leadership style from Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government, where the council chairman regularly convenes stakeholders to seek their input on policies and programmes. I attended one of such meetings and found the process highly commendable and worth emulating. That is the same participatory approach we are applying—encouraging members to contribute ideas so we can harmonise the best ones. We have several initiatives in the pipeline which will be unveiled before the end of our tenure.”
He expressed optimism that ongoing and planned initiatives would further strengthen the Berger Business Community’s position as a leading commercial hub in the region.
