By Ahmed Kaigama
Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, on Wednesday, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of ultra modern markets in Bauchi metropolis.
He said the project would covered critical commercial centres, including the new Wunti, furniture, vegetable, grains and herbal medicine.
Mohammed desribed the project as a decisive step towards economic renewal, job creation and sustainable urban development.
He said the development followed careful planning, data-driven assessment and a strategic vision aimed at repositioning the state into a thriving commercial destination in northern Nigeria.
“The steady population growth over the past decade has increased pressure on ageing market infrastructure, making modernisation unavoidable.
“The rising trade volumes, expanding investment inflows and deliberate pro-business policies have created the need for structured commercial facilities capable of supporting long-term prosperity and improving the ease of doing business,“ he said.
Mohammed said the market projects were designed with truck terminals, logistics hubs, access roads, sanitation systems, fire safety structure, surveillance architecture and parking facilities.
He said compensation and affordability measures would be considered to protect traders and ensure inclusive participation.
The governor said the government would monitored the projects to guarantee quality delivery and compliance to global standards.
“The markets represent more than physical structures, they are foundations for prosperity, structured commerce, and a resilient local economy.”
Mr Muhammad Shira, Commissioner for Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises, said the new markets would be provided with improved sanitary facilities, security and dignified trading environment.
He said the initiative aligned with the national economic agenda of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at strengthening small businesses and expanding opportunities.
Mohamned Sizwe, Managing Director, Markets and Terminals Management Company, said the initiative is being driven by transparent public-private partnership backed by rigorous technical and financial vetting.
The goal, he said, aims to build an enduring commercial system to boost state revenue base, improve investor confidence and institutional sustainability. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng )