25-hectare Lokoja Market to become Nigeria’s next commercial hub, says Kogi

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Kogi State Government has projected the 25-hectare Lokoja Ultra-Modern Market as Nigeria’s next major commercial hub, saying the landmark project will harness the state’s strategic location at the nation’s crossroads to attract traders, manufacturers and investors from across the country while the project will transforming the face of commerce in the North Central region.

The government said the sprawling market, one of the flagship infrastructure projects of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration, is designed to replace the overstretched International Market at Nataco, decongest Lokoja, improve urban planning and create a world-class trading environment capable of stimulating economic growth and employment.

Fanwo, Commissioner for Information

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this on Monday while inspecting ongoing work at the project site in Lokoja.

He described the project as a critical pillar of the administration’s Urban Renewal Agenda, aimed at transforming the state capital into a cleaner, smarter and more organised city while expanding opportunities for businesses and investors.

According to him, the market is strategically positioned to serve the entire country because of Kogi’s unique geographical advantage as the meeting point of Nigeria’s major road networks.

The ongoing market project

“Kogi is at the heart of Nigeria. Virtually every major route in the country passes through our state. That strategic advantage places us in a unique position to build a commercial hub that will serve traders and investors from every part of the federation. This market is not just for Kogi; it is designed to become a national trading destination,” Fanwo said.

The Commissioner explained that the existing International Market at Nataco had outlived its original design, creating traffic bottlenecks, environmental concerns and safety risks that made the development of a larger and better-planned facility inevitable.

“The congestion around Nataco has become a major challenge. This Ultra-Modern Market will provide a lasting solution by relocating commercial activities into a spacious, organised and secure environment that meets global standards,” he stated.

Fanwo disclosed that the market would feature lock-up shops, open trading spaces, market halls, technology hubs, banking facilities, a health centre, fire and security stations, food courts, a modern abattoir, warehouses, extensive parking areas and other support infrastructure to ensure efficient commercial operations.

He said the integrated design would promote seamless business transactions, improve logistics and attract manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers seeking a modern trading ecosystem.

Beyond boosting commerce, the Commissioner said the project would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), expand the state’s internally generated revenue and reinforce Kogi’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations.

Fanwo described the market as one of the enduring legacy projects of Governor Ododo’s administration, alongside the ongoing Kogi International Airport, noting that both projects are expected to redefine the state’s economic landscape for decades.

“When history is written, this Ultra-Modern Market and the International Airport will stand out as transformational projects that changed the economic fortunes of Kogi State and positioned it as a gateway for trade, investment and national development,” he said.

The Commissioner also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing economic reforms that have enhanced the financial capacity of states to execute large-scale infrastructure projects.

He reaffirmed the Ododo administration’s commitment to delivering people-centred projects that improve the ease of doing business, stimulate private sector investment and consolidate Kogi’s position as Nigeria’s commercial gateway.