Abia Gov’t Approves Remodeling Of Ariaria Market To International Standard

The Abia State Government, through the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, has officially announced the approval of Checkbest International Limited to remodel and reconstruct a section of the Ariaria International Market.

This development was disclosed by Hon. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, who confirmed that the state government is determined to revamp the iconic market to meet global standards in safety, sanitation, and functionality.

According to the announcement the planned remodeling of the market is in line with Governor Alex Otti’s urban renewal and infrastructure policy across the state.

The Hon Commissioner further revealed that arrangements are in top gear to flag off the project with an official ceremony, after which traders in the affected areas will be temporarily relocated to another place to allow construction work to commence without disruption to business activities.

The government also expressed gratitude to the stakeholders and traders for their continued cooperation and pledged to work closely with all parties to ensure a seamless transition and timely delivery of the project.

“This initiative is part of our broader agenda to create a modern, safe, and business-friendly environment in Ariaria Market. We call on all traders and stakeholders to continue showing support as we take these transformative steps,” Hon. Nwokocha stated.

The remodeling of Ariaria is expected to include improved road networks, fire safety infrastructure, drainage systems, and digital commerce integration. Checkbest International Limited, a reputable firm with a track record in market development and urban infrastructure, is expected to deliver a modern market space that aligns with the economic vision of the Otti-led administration.

This development is coming after years of failed promises and substandard projects in the Ariaria Market complex, often referred to as the commercial heartbeat of Aba and one of West Africa’s busiest markets.

Ariaria International Market was established in 1976 following a fire outbreak that destroyed the old Ekeoha Market in Aba. The market was originally sited in a swampy area.

The market is known for its shoemaking and leather works thus making it one of the largest leather shoe-making markets in West Africa with an estimated two million traders.

With more than 37,000 stalls, fabrics, household goods and pharmaceutical items are also available in the market. For more than two decades, the market has serviced clients home and abroad.

Manufacturers in the market boast that their clientele base extends beyond the shores of Africa. “Many citizens in Europe and Africa have the market to thank for many of the leather shoes they wear,” Amobi Nwanagu, President, StandUp Africa, claims.

The market cuts across three local government areas, the Aba North, Aba South, and Osisioma.

Incessant flooding and fire outbreaks due to poor planning have been identified as recurring challenges of the market. The 2022 floods in the market brought on by the remodeling of the A-line section led to a protest by traders who claimed that they lost goods worth billions of Naira to the floods.

This action was condemned and termed ‘political’ by the Abia State government.

In 2024, the Abia State government approved the reconstruction of the Ariaria road which connects the market to the Aba – Port Harcourt expressway to ease the challenge of overcrowding and poor road network to the market.

Abia Gov’t Approves Remodeling Of Ariaria Market To International Standard is first published on The Whistler Newspaper