Residents of Sabo Ringim line and surrounding areas in Fagge A district, Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State, have submitted a written complaint to the chairman of the local government concerning an additional shop rent levy imposed on them.
The residents, under the auspices of a community development association named Restore Fagge Community, alleged that a wealthy individual, Alhaji Balarabe, has hiked their shop rents from N30,000 to N600,000—an increase of N570,000—in a property he bought from the heirs of the late Alhaji Musa Gwadabe.
In the complaint document, dated November 12th, which they submitted through the Vice Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Nura Ali Shugaba, last Wednesday, the residents stated that they originally paid N8,000 for the 10 shops located in the compound, which later increased to N30,000 due to living conditions.
According to the residents, after the property became owned by the heirs, they sold it to Alhaji Balarabe, who operates from the Kantin Kwari market.
After he bought it, they said, he ordered the shop occupants in the compound to vacate so he could carry out renovations, suggesting that they could return after completion.
However, after he completed the renovations, the association members stated, he consulted with his associates who then advised him to set the new annual rent for the shops at N600,000.
They alleged that whoever wishes to retain a shop must first pay for two years in advance, amounting to N1,200,000 (One Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira).
They complained that most of them are petty traders, and that this exorbitant increase will severely harm their businesses, especially since they only make significant profits during the Ramadan fasting period.
They argued that if this is allowed to stand, other landlords will also increase their shop rents, which would further cripple their long-standing, struggling businesses.
In the complaint, copies of which were also sent to security agencies, they pleaded with the local government and the relevant authorities to intervene on their behalf.
In his address after receiving the complaint, the Vice Chairman of the Local Government pledged to take appropriate measures to ensure the matter is resolved.
He stated that the local government would invite the property owner for discussions to find a solution.
He also commended the Association for taking this legal step and for its efforts towards fostering community development.