The Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, recently inaugurated the construction of a modern market in Zuba, Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT. This market, consisting of 618 shops, is being built by Khuntex Engineering Company Ltd. under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
During the inauguration, Mrs. Mahmoud highlighted that the market construction would be fully funded by Khuntex, with the Area Council providing the land. The project is set to be completed in two phases, with a total delivery timeline of 20 months. The minister emphasized that the market’s development aims to enhance economic resilience, promote social inclusion, and create employment opportunities for rural youths.
The initiative reflects the FCT Administration’s commitment to providing essential infrastructure to residents, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. By leveraging private sector funding, the Gwagwalada Area Council seeks to address the challenge of inadequate market infrastructure in rural areas, ultimately fostering economic growth and reducing poverty.
Marketplaces play a vital role in rural communities, serving as a platform for farmers and artisans to sell their products and improve their livelihoods. The Zuba Modern Market will be equipped with modern facilities to enhance agricultural value chains and empower rural entrepreneurs to access larger markets and better prices for their goods.
Upon completion, the Zuba Modern Market is expected to boost the revenue base of the Gwagwalada Area Council. The Chairman of the council, Abubakar Giri, expressed optimism about the project’s impact and urged the contractor to adhere to the agreed timeline. Dayo Jigan, Chairman and CEO of Khuntex Engineering Company, assured that the first phase of the project, comprising 250 shop units, would be delivered within 10 months.
The market will feature a mix of open and lock-up shops, warehouses, eateries, banking facilities, restaurants, a police post, fire station, public toilets, bus loading bays, and other amenities in line with global standards. This development signifies a significant step towards enhancing economic opportunities and infrastructure in the region.
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