Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has inaugurated the newly reconstructed Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago Ultra-Modern Market in Bida, which was renamed after him.
The market, formerly known as Etsu Musa Market, was destroyed by a devastating fire in 2018, leaving traders with huge losses and disrupting commercial activities in the area, a statement issued on Sunday by the Governor’s spokesperson disclosed.
Its reconstruction was facilitated by the Member representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Saidu Musa Abdullahi.
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Bago commended the federal lawmaker for the initiative, describing him as a courageous and visionary individual.
The governor, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises, also approved the construction of a similar modern market in Agaie, headquarters of Agaie Local Government Area.
He urged beneficiaries of the shops to make judicious use of the facilities and directed that the management of the market be handed over to the local government authority.
Abdullahi described the project as a journey that began with the painful loss of livelihoods in the 2018 fire disaster but culminated in the delivery of a modern facility capable of serving generations.
He praised Governor Bago for his leadership and commitment to transforming Niger State, saying the reconstructed market reflects the administration’s vision of expanding economic opportunities and providing infrastructure that directly improves the lives of residents.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the reconstructed market, saying it was built in line with global best practices.
He said the facility would help revive commercial activities and boost the socio-economic development of Bida, urging shop owners to take ownership of the property and maintain it properly.
The ultra-modern market comprises 12 blocks containing 264 lock-up shops and 80 open stalls. It also has a banking hall, police station, solar-powered mini-grid, security posts, and other supporting facilities.
