…Assures traders of phased redevelopment, no mass demolition
In preparation for the reconstruction of the A-Line second wing of the Ariaria International Market in Aba, the Abia State Government has embarked on an inspection tour of temporary relocation shops being constructed to accommodate traders affected by the redevelopment.
The inspection team comprised top government officials including the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, representatives of the Ariaria International Market Traders Association (AIMATA), and the developer, Checkbest International Limited.
Addressing concerns from traders, Commissioner Nwokocha debunked rumours of a wholesale demolition of the market, stressing that the remodeling will be phased to ensure business continuity.
“Anyone saying the whole Ariaria market will be demolished at once is misinforming the public. This administration is committed to supporting traders, not destroying their livelihoods,” Nwokocha stated.
He emphasized that no phase of the remodeling will commence until traders affected by the previous phase are fully resettled. Commending the developer, he said, “We are satisfied with the pace of work and are confident the temporary shops will be ready to host our traders soon.”
Chief Nwaka Inem, Special Adviser to the Governor, clarified that the inspection aimed to assess the adequacy of the temporary structures for the estimated 800 traders to be relocated in the first phase.
“This isn’t for permanent settlement. It’s a temporary solution to ensure smooth transition during the reconstruction,” he said.
Chief Inem also dispelled rumours that the state had awarded contracts or guaranteed loans to any single developer. “No single contractor was awarded the whole project. The state is working with qualified developers who have shown both technical and financial capacity,” he said.
Highlighting the improved design of the temporary shops, he said, “These new spaces are far more conducive, safer, and structurally better than many of the current market stalls.”
Market Chairman, Deacon Michael Ogbonnaya Aniorji, lauded Governor Alex Otti for his timely intervention and reassured the government of traders’ cooperation. He appealed for the construction of additional temporary shops to accommodate the demand.
On behalf of the developer, Mr. Chideozie Njoku, CEO of Checkbest International Limited, pledged to meet all conditions and timelines, and to improve communication via official channels. He described the inspection as a show of government support and reiterated the developer’s commitment to transparency.
Representing stakeholders, Chief Ohaka praised Governor Otti’s leadership, describing him as the most trader-friendly governor in the state’s recent history.
“This is the first time we are seeing a governor personally committed to upgrading traders’ welfare and infrastructure,” he noted.
