The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed the Department of Development Control (DDC) of the FCTA to commence the demolition of structures obstructing roadways at the Kugbo International Market.
The directive was issued during an inspection tour on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, as Wike assessed the ongoing construction of the market and a new structure proposed to house the Ministry of Livestock Development in the Central Business District.
The Kugbo International Market is a public-private partnership project between the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), an FCT agency, and Mesotho Group Limited, a private organisation.
Wike praised the investment, stating that it was a project worthy of support due to its potential to enhance commerce in the region.
“This is an investment that should be encouraged, an international market of this standard,” Wike said. “However, there are a lot of issues, such as encroachments.
I have directed the Department of Development Control to immediately demolish any structure obstructing roadways.
This is a road corridor, and we will not allow any hindrance. The Director of Development Control is here and has been instructed to mobilise his team for immediate action.”
Wike also urged the Mesotho Group to invest more resources to expedite the completion of the project.
He noted that the first phase of the market has been completed and suggested its immediate opening to help decongest roads by relocating traders from roadsides to the market.
“The investor should inject more funds to ensure the realisation of the entire market,” Wike said. “The first phase has been completed, and we will consider opening it soon.
This will allow roadside traders to move into the market and free up traffic as we deserve.”
On the matter of affordability for less privileged traders, the Minister hinted at possible support under the FCT’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that efforts would be made to ensure that traders, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, are given access to shops through empowerment programmes.
“We will do everything we can to support people,” Wike said.
“Through the empowerment programme of the Renewed Hope Agenda, we will explore ways to provide some shops for our people, enabling them to engage in trade and commerce.”
Wike expressed optimism that the Kugbo International Market would create substantial employment opportunities and improve the FCT’s economy.
He stressed that the project would also contribute to efforts to reduce road congestion by providing a centralised location for traders, thus discouraging roadside trading.
He further addressed concerns regarding the cost of shops, emphasising that traders should not expect to occupy the market for free, but assured that reasonable pricing would be negotiated to ensure affordability.
“You don’t expect an investor to open a market and you move in for free—nobody does that. However, the Abuja Investment Company will work with the investor to reach an agreement that makes it accessible to traders, even if it means the FCTA taking a stake in the project,” Wike stated.
The Kugbo International Market is expected to be fully operational in early 2025, with the first phase opening soon to facilitate smooth traffic flow and enhance business activities in the area.
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