An Appraisal of the Contributions of Ariria Market in Aba, Abia State, to the Economic Development of Nigeria, 1999-2023

Abstrak

Abstract—This study provides a comprehensive appraisal of the Ariaria International Market's contributions to Nigeria's economic development from 1999 to 2023. As one of West Africa's largest and most vibrant markets, Ariaria is renowned for its entrepreneurial dynamism, indigenous manufacturing capacity, and innovation, particularly in leatherwork, footwear, and garment production. This research investigates the market's transformative role within Nigeria's informal sector, focusing on its impact on job creation, domestic production, poverty alleviation, and intra-African trade over a 24-year period marked by economic liberalization, democratic consolidation, and significant infrastructural challenges. Employing a qualitative historical methodology, the study draws on primary data, including oral histories and semi-structured interviews with market stakeholders, complemented by secondary sources from scholarly journals, books, and government reports. An interdisciplinary lens is applied to synthesize insights from economics, business management, and development studies. The period under review, spanning Nigeria's return to democratic governance and its integration into the global economy, positions Ariaria as a critical case study of grassroots economic resilience and self-reliance. The findings demonstrate that Ariaria Market is not merely a commercial hub but a significant engine of economic development, contributing substantially to employment, industrial development in Southern Nigeria, and the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The study concludes that Ariaria symbolizes the potent potential of indigenous enterprise and serves as a vital pillar for sustainable economic transformation in Nigeria.