Barely 24 hours after launching the Utako Farmers Market, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has once again made headlines by commissioning another major commercial hub, the first phase of the solar-powered Kugbo International Market in Abuja.
The market, which officially opened on Saturday, marks a significant milestone in the FCT’s economic transformation agenda. The first phase of the development features 1,600 fully equipped shops, and upon completion, the project is expected to house a total of 5,200 stalls. It will also boast 20 underground warehouses, 20 cold storage rooms, 10 restaurants, banking halls, a healthcare clinic, and dedicated police and fire service units. Daily foot traffic is projected to exceed 20,000 visitors, reinforcing its status as a premier commercial destination in the region.
Speaking through the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Wike emphasized the economic and social value of the market beyond its physical structure.
“This market is not just a collection of stalls — it is a vibrant economic ecosystem,” he said. “It will boost trade and commercial activities, enhance revenue generation through taxes and levies, and, more importantly, create jobs for traders, artisans, logistics workers, and service providers. This aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Wike further lauded Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, Group Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), for her effective leadership and strategic efforts in mobilizing investments and supporting economic growth in the FCT.
In her remarks, Amb. Tamuno acknowledged the minister’s unwavering commitment to urban transformation, praising the significant progress made in infrastructure and commercial development under Wike’s administration.
A notable highlight of the commissioning ceremony was the allocation of 120 rent-free shops to local traders. As part of Wike’s empowerment initiative, 20 shops were designated for each of the six area councils in the FCT, providing opportunities for grassroots entrepreneurs to thrive in a modern commercial environment.
The event attracted an array of prominent dignitaries, including former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara; former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana; Senator Anthony Yaro; Senator Binta Masi Garba; Prof. Suleiman Bogoro; and the FCT Head of Service, Grace Adayilo. In their goodwill messages, they commended the FCT administration and AICL for their commitment to driving inclusive economic development and positioning Abuja as a hub for sustainable investment and urban innovation.
