The Kogi State Government has said the ongoing construction of the Lokoja Ultra Modern Market will revolutionise commercial activities in Nigeria by taking advantage of the state’s central location and creating a world-class trading facility.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection visit to the project site in Lokoja.
Fanwo described the market, located on a 25-hectare land space, as one of the major projects of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration and a key part of its Urban Renewal Agenda aimed at transforming Lokoja into a cleaner, more organised and modern capital city.
According to him, the facility will bring together traders from seven existing markets across Lokoja while providing a structured environment that will improve business activities, enhance safety, reduce traffic congestion and support economic development.
He said the government was pursuing a broad plan to modernise the state capital through improved infrastructure, environmental reforms and strategic investments designed to raise living standards and create a business-friendly environment.
“We want to clean up Lokoja through short, medium and long-term plans. While the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management is working to maintain cleanliness, the government is also implementing an Urban Renewal Agenda that will make Lokoja one of the smartest and cleanest state capitals in Nigeria,” Fanwo said.
The commissioner explained that the existing International Market at Nataco had become inadequate due to its outdated structure, resulting in environmental concerns, traffic challenges and safety issues.
He added that the planned relocation of traders to the new market from 2027 would help ease congestion and improve movement within the capital.
Fanwo emphasised that Kogi’s location at the centre of Nigeria gives the project a major advantage, as the state connects several important routes across the country.
“Kogi is at the heart of Nigeria. Every major route passes through the state, making Lokoja an ideal commercial destination. This market has the potential to transform commerce not only in Kogi but across Nigeria,” he said.
The commissioner listed some of the features of the market to include trading areas, lock-up shops, market halls, technology centres, banking facilities, a clinic, fire and security units, food courts, a modern abattoir, warehouses and parking spaces.
He noted that the integrated facility would provide a secure and technology-driven business environment capable of attracting investors, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers.
Fanwo added that the project would generate thousands of jobs, support small and medium-sized businesses, increase internally generated revenue and strengthen Kogi’s position as a major commercial hub.
He described the market, alongside the ongoing airport project, as part of the lasting legacies of the Ododo administration, expressing confidence that both projects would deliver long-term economic benefits to the state.
The commissioner also praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for policies he said had improved the financial strength of states to execute major development projects.
He assured residents that the state government would continue to pursue initiatives focused on economic growth, improved business opportunities and making Kogi a gateway connecting different parts of Nigeria.