THE NATURE AND MANAGEMENT OF CONFLICTS IN ONITSHA MAIN MARKET, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

This study of trade related conflict and its resolution in Nigeria’s market was prompted by the needs of policy makers concerned with improving market access for the poor. There is a lack of published material analysing links between trade/markets and conflict development/conflict resolution. The study is based on a literature review, a small number of interviews in Onitsha market. Tensions emanating from deep-seated structural factors are implicated in many recent trade-related conflicts in Nigeria. Resource-based struggles around access to land and employment, complicated by environmentally and conflict-induced migration (with consequent indigene-settler divisions) and with outcomes reflected in major ethnic income differentials, have formed the seed-bed for much recent conflict. Where youth unemployment is a contributory factor to conflict, an element of political manipulation of religious/ethnic divisions through patronclient relationships is particularly common. The study also found that there are widespread cases of tensions and conflict between traders and the state, over high levels of levies and lack of investment in market infrastructure. This can be avoided or reduced by encouraging the private ownership and management of markets