The Kogi State Government has embarked on the construction of an ultra-modern market to replace the existing Lokoja International Market.
The new project will occupy a 15-hectare site along Hassan Katsina Road, Zone 8, Lokoja.
On Monday, the land was officially handed over to SABC, the contractor selected to execute the project.
The ceremony was attended by the state Commissioners for Works and Commerce, alongside Bayegusi Taiwo, the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Land and Urban Development, who represented the Director General.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards, urging the contractor to avoid substandard work.
“This is a project after the heart of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the state Governor. We have also done due diligence and found your company worthy to do the job to the specifications as spelt out in the contract documents handed over to you,” he stated.
The Commissioner further disclosed that all legal and compensatory issues regarding the land had been resolved to ensure uninterrupted progress during construction.
“Every single person, individual or corporate organisation that has an interest in the land has been settled and adequately compensated, so nobody will disturb workers on site while construction work is going on,” he affirmed.
In his response, the consultant representing SABC, Abdulrazaq Adio, assured the government of the company’s commitment to delivering the project on time and according to the agreed standards.
He called for cooperation from supervising officials to facilitate smooth operations, expressing gratitude for the confidence placed in the company.
“We appreciate the state government for carrying out due diligence and finding the SABC worthy to carry out the project and promise not to disappoint,” he said.
The Lokoja International Market, currently situated near Nataco Junction along the Lokoja/Abuja highway, has long been a bustling hub.
However, frequent accidents in the area may have influenced the government’s decision to relocate the market to its new site, which will be developed into a safer and more modern facility.
