The Kogi Government says the Lokoja Ultra Modern Market, currently under construction, will transform commerce across Nigeria by leveraging the state’s strategic location and providing one of the country’s largest and most modern trading hubs.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, stated this on Monday while inspecting the pace of work at the project site in Lokoja.

Mr Fanwo said the market, situated on a 25-hectare site, would accommodate traders from seven existing markets in Lokoja and provide a well-planned commercial environment to enhance trade, improve safety, ease traffic congestion and stimulate economic growth.

He described the project as one of the flagship initiatives of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration and a critical component of its Urban Renewal Agenda, aimed at transforming Lokoja into a cleaner, smarter and more organised state capital.

According to him, the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to modernise the capital city through environmental reforms, improved infrastructure and strategic investments that will support commerce and improve residents’ quality of life.

“We want to clean up Lokoja through short, medium and long-term plans. While the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management is working to keep the city clean, the government is also implementing an ambitious Urban Renewal Agenda that will make Lokoja one of the smartest and cleanest state capitals in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Fanwo noted that the existing International Market at Nataco had outlived its original design and now posed serious traffic, environmental and safety challenges.

According to him, the relocation of traders to the new facility from 2027 will significantly reduce congestion and improve road safety in the state capital.

He said Kogi’s central location gave the market a strategic advantage to attract traders and investors from across the country.

“Kogi is at the heart of Nigeria. Every major route passes through the state, making Lokoja an ideal commercial destination. This market has the potential to transform commerce not only in Kogi but across Nigeria,” he said.

The commissioner said the market would feature open trading spaces, lock-up shops, market halls, technology hubs, banking facilities, a clinic, fire and security stations, a food court, a modern abattoir, warehouses, ample parking space and other supporting infrastructure.

He added that the integrated design would provide a safe, efficient and technology-driven environment capable of attracting investors, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers.

Mr Fanwo said the project would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises, boost the state’s internally generated revenue and position Kogi as a major investment and commercial destination.

He described the market as one of the enduring legacy projects of the Ododo administration, alongside the ongoing airport project, noting that both initiatives would have lasting economic benefits for the state.

The commissioner also commended President Bola Tinubu for policies that, he said, had improved the financial capacity of states to undertake major infrastructure projects.

He assured residents that the Ododo administration would continue to implement people-centred projects aimed at strengthening the state’s economy, improving the ease of doing business and consolidating Kogi’s position as Nigeria’s gateway to all regions. 

(NAN)