By Maryam Abdul-aziz Usman

The Yobe State Government has approved the construction of four additional modern markets as part of efforts to expand commercial infrastructure, boost trade and strengthen economic activities across the state.

The new markets will be located in Bumsa, Gulani Local Government Area; Sabon Garin Nangere in Nangere Local Government Area; Girgir in Jakusko Local Government Area; and Ngelzarma in Fune Local Government Area.

The approval was contained in an official government announcement issued through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The statement, signed by Ibrahim Baba Saleh, Media Coordinator/Liaison in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, said the projects would provide modern trading facilities, promote commerce in rural and urban communities, attract investment and improve the livelihoods of traders and surrounding residents.

The latest approval further expands Governor Mai Mala Buni’s market infrastructure programme, one of the administration’s key strategies for stimulating economic growth, supporting small and medium-scale enterprises and strengthening post-insurgency recovery through increased commercial activities.

Since assuming office in 2019, the Buni administration has completed the Damaturu, Potiskum, Nguru and Gashua ultra-modern markets, alongside modern markets in Ngalda and Yunusari. The Potiskum, Ngalda and Yunusari markets were also provided with complementary infrastructure to improve accessibility and business operations.

Construction of the Geidam Ultra-Modern Market has reached over 90 per cent completion, while work is progressing on the Machina, Buni Yadi and Yusufari modern markets.

With the four newly approved projects, the administration would have initiated the construction of 14 modern and ultra-modern markets across Yobe State, extending modern commercial infrastructure to more communities across the state.

The government said the continued expansion of market infrastructure is expected to strengthen local economies, create employment opportunities, improve internally generated revenue, encourage private investment and provide traders with safer, more organised and efficient business environments.

The initiative also aligns with the state’s broader economic diversification agenda aimed at enhancing commercial activities beyond the major urban centres and improving access to markets for rural producers and small-scale entrepreneurs.