August 16, 2025 – The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has announced that shops have been allocated to small business owners at the new Karmo District Market in Abuja.
This announcement was made by Charles Odii, Director-General and CEO of SMEDAN.
According to Odii, the initiative is aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and supporting local traders. “We’ve allocated shops to small business owners at the modern, well-equipped New Karmo Market, rent-free for 6 months and discounted after, thanks to our partnership with Rural Homes Limited,” he said.
The newly developed Karmo District Market features 2,500 shops of different sizes spread across a 10-hectare site.
The market is organized into distinct sections to cater to various commercial activities, making it easier for traders, artisans, and farmers to operate in a structured environment.
It will be recalled that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, represented by the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, officially opened the New Karmo Market in February 2025.
At the event, Wike explained that the market was strategically designed to provide a modern business hub for traders, entrepreneurs, and investors.
The Federal Government emphasized that the vision for the Karmo District Market is to create opportunities for small businesses, encourage sustainable commerce, and ensure residents have access to fresh, high-quality, locally sourced products.
How to apply:
Interested business owners can apply for shop allocations by registering at portal.smedan.gov.ng. Women traders are strongly encouraged to register.