The Niger state Commissioner of Investment, Mudi Mohammed has disclosed plans of the state government to relocate the Madalla market in Suleja local government area.
According to him, the market which is located along the Abuja-kaduna express road before Zuba has been a death trap and a nightmare for motorists.
He conveyed the decision of the government to relocate the market to newsmen after the state executive council meeting in Minna.
“Madalla market has constituted a nuisance and has made the road become a nightmare to motorists who frequent the Abuja-Kaduna express road.
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“The market is always rowdy, people face hold-up which can last for hours and the spot has become a place for perpetual accidents. The Government is concerned over the loss of lives that the accidents have caused.”
Mohammed said the government has gotten an investor who is interested in relocating the market, “the relocation of the market would still be within Madalla. The new market spot is after the Zuma rock, a land of 47 by 712 hectares.”
He said that the relocation would cost N5.7 billion which the investor, Lolo Consort have agreed to undertake with an agreement of a build, operate and transfer basis.
“The contract is on. A build, operate and transfer basis for 15 years. The 15 years include three years for construction, two years for sales of market stalls, five years of the management of the sold stalks and the remaining five years would be used for the developer to recoup his money.”
Mohammed said that the government does not expect any resistance from the traders as they are in a haste to leave the market because of the danger it poses, “but we know how to go with them if they refuse to move,” he said.
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