Ododo is redefining Nigerian commerce with ongoing Lokoja ultra-modern market — Fanwo

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, has described the ongoing Lokoja Ultra-Modern Market as a landmark project that will redefine commerce in Kogi State and establish the state capital as one of Nigeria’s major commercial hubs.

Fanwo said the project, being undertaken by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represents a new approach to commercial infrastructure, with facilities designed to provide traders, investors, consumers and businesses with a safe, organised and modern environment for economic activities.

The Commissioner stated this while speaking on the significance of the project, stressing that its strategic location in Lokoja, the geographical centre connecting several parts of Nigeria, gives it enormous potential to attract traders and investors from across the country.

The 25-hectare market, located along the Zone 8–Crusher Road axis, is designed to accommodate traders from seven existing markets in Lokoja and bring commercial activities under one properly planned facility. The project is also expected to improve traffic management, enhance environmental sanitation and contribute to the ongoing transformation of Lokoja into a cleaner, safer and smarter capital city.

Fanwo said the facilities being incorporated into the market distinguish it from conventional markets, noting that it will include a major market hall, lock-up shops, open trading spaces, technology hub, furniture and home stores, fashion and clothing stores, electronic shops, warehouses and other specialised commercial sections.

He added that the project will also provide banking facilities, a clinic, fire station, security station, food court, office block, worship centres, parking areas, greenery, a watchtower and power infrastructure, creating an integrated environment where people can conduct business and access essential services within the same complex.

The market is also planned to have an extensive internal road network, with the latest project inspection reporting an 8-kilometre road network covering 17 sections of the development. Other facilities include modern warehouses to support wholesale trading and storage, as well as infrastructure aimed at improving safety and convenience for traders and customers.

Fanwo also commended SABC Limited for the quality and pace of work on the project, saying the company had demonstrated capacity, commitment and professionalism in delivering a project of such magnitude. He said the Kogi State Government had no regrets choosing an indigenous company to execute the legacy project.

“The Kogi State Government has not regretted choosing an indigenous company, SABC Limited, to deliver this legacy project. From what we have seen on site, the company has shown that Nigerian companies have the capacity to handle projects of this magnitude when given the opportunity and the right environment to work.

“We commend SABC Limited for the quality of work so far and for the commitment they have demonstrated. We expect them to sustain this standard and deliver a market that Kogi people and Nigerians will be proud of,” he said.

“This is far beyond the construction of shops. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is building an economic ecosystem that will support traders, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, technology businesses and service providers.

“When completed, this market will give Lokoja a commercial facility that matches its strategic position as the connecting point of Nigeria. We are creating a place where people can come to trade, store goods, access financial services, receive emergency care and conduct business in a safe and properly planned environment,” Fanwo said.

He explained that the project is an important component of the Lokoja Urban Renewal Agenda of the Ododo Administration, which seeks to modernise the capital city while creating infrastructure that can support economic expansion.

According to him, bringing the seven existing markets under one roof will also help address some of the safety and traffic challenges associated with the present arrangement of commercial activities across the city.

Fanwo noted that the old International Market, which is currently located at a major road intersection, has contributed to traffic congestion and safety concerns as Lokoja has expanded over the years. He said the new market provides an opportunity to reorganise commercial activities while giving the existing facility a new economic purpose.

He said the strategic vision behind the project would have been difficult to achieve without a broader improvement in the fiscal capacity of state governments, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for economic reforms which, according to him, have strengthened the ability of sub-national governments to undertake ambitious projects with direct impact on citizens.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for creating an economic environment in which states are gaining greater capacity to invest in infrastructure. When states have more resources and greater fiscal space, they can take on projects that directly affect the lives of their people.

“What we are seeing in Kogi is a practical example of what responsible use of improved resources can achieve. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is converting available opportunities into infrastructure that will serve the people for decades. The Lokoja Ultra-Modern Market is one of those investments that will continue to generate economic value long after its completion,” he said.

The Commissioner said the project would create thousands of direct and indirect economic opportunities while strengthening small and medium-scale businesses, improving the ease of doing business and increasing commercial activities in the state.

He added that the project would also open up the Crusher Road axis and stimulate further development around the area, creating a new commercial corridor in Lokoja.

Fanwo assured traders that the government would work with them to ensure a smooth transition into the new market when completed, stressing that the objective is to create a better trading environment while protecting the economic interests of those who depend on commerce for their livelihood.

He said the Lokoja Ultra-Modern Market would stand as one of the major economic landmarks of the Ododo Administration and further position Kogi State to take full advantage of its unique geographical location.

“Governor Ododo is building for the future. This market will serve Kogi, but its reach will go far beyond Kogi. When you consider our location, the facilities being provided and the volume of commercial activities expected here, you can see why we are confident that this project will redefine commerce in Nigeria,” Fanwo said.