The Federal Government has demonstrated a determination to partner with the private sector in the provision of essential infrastructural projects that are beneficial to the Nigerian people.
The government validated this commitment by its commissioning of an ultra-modern market in the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday.
President Goodluck Jonathan described trade as the lifeline of every economy and that his administration was poised to do all in its powers to ensure that markets across the country are modernised with good facilities to complement the urban needs of the citizens.
He said that Abuja must be made an enviable city that Nigerians can be proud of, and called on the private sector not to relent in supporting the administration to succeed.
The ultra-modern market, located in the Wuye district of the Federal Capital Territory, occupies a large expanse of land and is said to be the first of its kind in West Africa. It was constructed under the ‘build, operate and transfer’ arrangement.
It has 2,000 shops, some in duplex, comprising of courtyards, warehouses, cold rooms, clinic and banking facilities, police and fire stations, refuse dumps, mosques and a chapel.
The President, who was at the commissioning in company of the first lady, described the market as a New Year gift to market women. He observed that growth in the country comes from internal trade, which requires government action.
He was joined by the first lady for the commissioning proper, as well as the unveiling of the block named after her in the market.
The Minister Of Trade and Investments, Olusegun Aganga, and that of the FCT, Bala Mohammed, expressed their excitement that the project was in line with the domestic policy of the government, promising to replicate it across the country.
The President of the Market Women Association, Eugienia Sanni, said that the women, who are also the developers, were happy for the new development, appreciating the government for involving them in the construction of the market.
The ceremony drew the attendance of Nigerians cutting across all spheres of the society – politicians, market women, and government officials, captains of industries and officials of organized labour.
The modern market project started in 2004 and was completed 10years after.
