From Sani Gazas Chinede, Damaturu
The Yobe State Government has completed the construction of nine modern markets across the state to stimulate commercial activities and strengthen Internally Generated Revenue.
The Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Arch. Ahmed Buba Kyari, disclosed this on Monday during a media tour of ongoing and completed government projects.
Kyari said the projects comprised five ultra-modern markets and four modern markets strategically located across nine local government areas.
According to him, the ultra-modern markets are located in Damaturu, Potiskum, Gashua, Nguru and Geidam, while the modern markets are sited in Ngalda, Yunusari, Machina and Buni Yadi.
Findings showed that the initiative forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to diversify the economy, expand the revenue base and provide improved trading infrastructure for residents.
The commissioner explained that the markets were designed to enhance economic activities, attract traders and provide a more conducive environment for commerce.
“The construction of these markets is aimed at boosting internally generated revenue and creating better trading environments for our people,” Kyari said.
He noted that the project aligned with the administration’s commercialisation and economic diversification agenda, which seeks to reposition Yobe as a major commercial hub in the North-East and beyond.
Kyari recalled Yobe State’s historical role in regional trade with Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic, adding that the new markets would further strengthen cross-border commercial exchanges.
He said the markets were equipped with modern facilities such as shops, abattoirs, administrative offices and adequate parking spaces to meet contemporary trading needs.
The commissioner assured that the state government remained committed to the timely commissioning of the markets to ensure residents and traders derive maximum benefits from the investments.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, said the markets were central to the government’s plan to reduce dependence on federal allocations.
“Our focus is to strengthen internally generated revenue, and these markets are critical to achieving that objective,” Bego said.
He added that the facilities were built to international standards, positioning Yobe State to compete favourably with neighbouring countries involved in the export of livestock and agricultural produce.