Conflict Resolution Among Traders in Kano Central Market: Practices and Outcomes

This study examines the conflict resolution practices among traders at the Kano Central Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa located in Kano State, North West Nigeria. Commercial markets in northern Nigeria are governed by a mix of formal regulatory frameworks and informal trade union mechanisms, and understanding how conflicts arising from trade disputes, contract breaches, and market space allocation are managed is important for sustaining commercial productivity. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with market union officials, Kano State Ministry of Commerce representatives, and traders from both local and interstate origins across selected sections of the market. Observation of dispute resolution sessions and review of union arbitration records supplemented primary data collection. The theoretical framework is anchored in institutional conflict theory and integrative bargaining theory. Findings indicate that the Kano Central Market's three-tier dispute resolution system, comprising unit heads, section supervisors, and the Market Association Executive Committee, handles the majority of trading disputes at the union level, avoiding formal litigation for most commercial disagreements. However, cross-ethnic and inter-state commercial disputes are more likely to escalate beyond union mechanisms. Recommendations include training market union leaders in structured mediation techniques, establishing a dedicated market dispute resolution centre with legal authority, and developing uniform market conduct regulations enforced across all sections. Keywords: conflict resolution, traders, Kano Central Market, market union, commercial disputes.