FCT Minister Inspects Proposed Building For New Ministry Of Livestock Development & Kugbo International Market

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

 

The FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has ordered the Department of Development Control (DDC) of the FCTA to immediately begin demolishing structures obstructing roadways in the Kugbo International Market, located in Kugbo District, FCT.

 

The directive was issued during the Minister’s inspection tour of the ongoing construction at Kugbo International Market, as well as the proposed site for the new Ministry of Livestock Development, located in the Central Business District, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

 

Wike highlighted that the market is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), an FCTA agency, and Mesotho Group Limited, a private business organization. He emphasized the importance of supporting an investment of such magnitude.

 

“This is an investment that deserves our encouragement—an international market of this standard. Despite the challenges, including encroachments, I’ve directed the DDC to demolish any structures that obstruct progress. This is a road corridor, and we will not allow any impediments,” the Minister said.

He added, “The Director of Development Control is present, and I’ve instructed him to mobilize his team immediately to remove any obstacles.”

The Minister also encouraged Mesotho Group to inject additional funds to ensure the market’s completion. “The investor must commit more resources to see the entire project through. When I asked when it would be completed, I was told to expect the project to be ready by January,” Wike stated.

He continued, “The first phase has been completed, so we’ll explore opening it soon. Traders currently operating on the roadside must relocate to the market to ease traffic flow.”

Addressing the potential for the less privileged to access shop spaces under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Wike stated, “We’ll do everything within our power to support people. Those who haven’t expressed interest will be considered through the FCT’s empowerment program. We’ll explore the possibility of acquiring some stores and offering them to our people to engage in trade.”

He further stressed the urgency of relocating people to the market: “We’re satisfied with what we’ve seen and are committed to ensuring that phase one is occupied as soon as possible.”

The Minister explained that the Kugbo International Market would create significant employment opportunities and boost the FCT economy. Additionally, it will aid in road decongestion by ensuring that traders leave roadside stalls for the designated market space.

Addressing concerns over the cost of shops, Barrister Wike said it should not be a reason for traders to remain on the roadside. He assured that the FCTA, through AICL, would negotiate fair pricing with the investors.

“You can’t expect an investor to build a market and then allow free entry—such a practice is unsustainable. However, we won’t allow traders to be priced out of the market either. The AICL will sit down with the investor to reach a fair agreement, even if it means FCTA taking a stake to make the shops affordable.”

On the proposed building for the Ministry of Livestock Development, Wike revealed that the refurbishment of the nine-story structure was a directive from President Bola Tinubu. The work is considered an emergency, and construction will begin immediately.

“Emergency work will start soon, and we’ll engage the most responsive bidder to handle the project. The integrity test on the building is satisfactory, and once complete, the Ministry of Livestock Development will take ownership,” Wike said.

Accompanying the Minister on the tour were the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, the Managing Director of AICL, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, and officials from the FCTA, along with representatives from Mesotho Group Limited.