…….As Ododo’s Landmark Project to Create Thousands of Jobs, Attract Investors, Ease Lokoja Traffic
Emmanuel Ikpeama
The Kogi State Government has reaffirmed that the Lokoja Ultra-Modern Market, currently under construction, will transform Kogi into one of Nigeria’s foremost commercial powerhouses by leveraging the state’s strategic location and creating a world-class trading environment for businesses across the country.
The government said the mega market, situated on 25 hectares of land in Lokoja, is one of the flagship projects of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration and is designed to accommodate traders from seven existing markets within the state capital while stimulating commerce, creating employment and boosting economic growth.
Speaking during an inspection of the project site on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the market as a game-changing investment that will redefine trade and position Kogi as a preferred destination for investors, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers nationwide.
According to him, the project forms a critical part of Governor Ododo’s Urban Renewal Agenda aimed at transforming Lokoja into a cleaner, smarter and more organised capital city through modern infrastructure and sustainable development.
Fanwo explained that the existing International Market at Nataco has exceeded its original capacity, resulting in persistent traffic congestion, environmental concerns and safety risks.
He noted that relocating traders to the new Ultra-Modern Market from next year would decongest the city, improve public safety and provide traders with modern facilities capable of supporting efficient commercial activities.
“We are not just constructing another market; we are building a modern commercial ecosystem that will unlock new economic opportunities for Kogi State and Nigeria. Our vision is to make Lokoja one of the country’s most organised and attractive business destinations,” he said.
The Commissioner stressed that Kogi’s strategic position at the heart of Nigeria gives the state a unique advantage in becoming a national trading hub.
“Kogi is the gateway connecting every region of the country. With this strategic advantage, the Ultra-Modern Market will attract businesses from across Nigeria and strengthen our position as a leading commercial centre,” Fanwo stated.
He disclosed that the market will feature lock-up shops, open trading spaces, spacious market halls, technology hubs, banking facilities, a clinic, fire and security stations, a food court, a modern butchery, state-of-the-art warehouses, ample parking spaces and other world-class infrastructure designed to meet international standards.
Fanwo said the integrated facilities would provide a secure, technology-driven and investor-friendly business environment capable of attracting local and international investments while strengthening small and medium-scale enterprises.
He added that the project would generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, increase internally generated revenue and further establish Kogi as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing investment destinations.
Describing the project as one of the enduring legacies of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration, the Commissioner said the Ultra-Modern Market, alongside the ongoing airport project, would remain historic milestones that have reshaped the economic landscape of Kogi State.
Fanwo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing economic policies that have enhanced the financial capacity of sub-national governments to execute transformative infrastructure projects.
He assured residents that the Ododo administration would remain committed to delivering people-centred projects that improve the ease of doing business, strengthen the state’s economy and consolidate Kogi’s position as Nigeria’s commercial gateway.
