The Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has announced that his administration is set to begin the reconstruction of the burnt portion of the Sokoto Central Market. This decision came after receiving the report of a committee tasked with investigating the contract awarded by the previous administration for the market’s reconstruction.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu explained that the delay in rebuilding the burnt section was intentional to allow the committee to present its findings. “We had to wait for the committee’s report so that the government can understand the true situation of the contract before moving ahead with the completion,” he stated.
The governor noted that the reconstruction of the Sokoto Central Market is expected to bring several benefits to Sokoto State, including boosting economic activities, improving the livelihoods of traders and vendors, and strengthening business growth in the region. The improved market infrastructure is also projected to attract more investments and enhance commercial opportunities.
Governor Aliyu appealed for patience from businessmen and traders who were affected by the fire incident. He assured them that his administration is committed to completing the reconstruction within the shortest possible time. “We will do everything possible to reconstruct the market and bring relief to the affected traders,” he assured.
He further commended the committee members for their dedication, stressing that the recommendations would be carefully studied and implemented. The governor added that traders and business owners in the state should expect positive developments soon as the government is making necessary arrangements to support them.
Earlier, while presenting the report, the chairman of the board of directors of the Sokoto State Investment Company, Alhaji Abubakar Salame Goronyo, revealed that their findings showed that 33 different contractors were awarded the project with an initial release of about ₦4 billion.
He disclosed that a total of 6,600 shops were planned for reconstruction. According to him, while some contractors had made progress, others did not commence work at all.
Salame explained that the committee engaged with relevant stakeholders throughout the process to gather accurate details. He praised the state government for entrusting them with the assignment and expressed hope that the recommendations would be fully implemented.
It will be recalled that in 2021, under the administration of former governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the market was burnt down. Despite the contract award and donations received at the time, the reconstruction work failed to take off, leading to the present administration’s decision to investigate and address the situation.