In spite of the existing legislation banning street trading in Anambra, the menace has remained unabated as most major streets in Awka are now taken over by traders.

An investigation by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) revealed that children and youths between 11 and 19, constituted majority of those involved in the business.

Many of the traders who spoke to NAN said they resorted to street trading when they could not afford the high rent for shops in the town.

Sunday Agu, who sells clothing materials on Zik Avenue, resorted to street trading because "it is easy to display my wares on major roads than in hidden places."

Agu said that selling on the streets was more profitable than selling in the shops, which he described, as "hidden and obscure".

Miss Glory Odo said she was into street trading because she could not raise about N150,000 per annum being demanded as rent for a shop around her house.

Ikemefuna Okwor, on the other hand, said that the streets were the best outlets for his GSM business.

The respondents all agreed that the business was dangerous, but were left with no choice.

"I know it is dangerous selling on the streets, but I have to accept it the way it is, in order to provide for my daily needs," Okwor said.

Most of the children interviewed said they used the money from street trading to pay their school fees and assist in feeding their families.

The Anambra State Government enacted a legislation banning street trading in 2004, but has yet enforce it.

When contacted, Mr Mike Udah, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra State , declined comments on the development. (NAN)