The Abuja Investment Company Limited, AICL, the investment arm of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has announced plans to redevelop the Kado Fish Market in Gwarimpa I District, Abuja.
This initiative underscores the market’s importance as a major hub for fish commerce in the capital. Dr. Maureen Tamuno, the Group Managing Director, GMD, of AICL, made this known during a recent visit to the market. The visit, aimed at assessing the market’s current conditions, provided an opportunity for Tamuno to engage directly with the Market Association and traders, discussing the future of the market.
Tamuno highlighted the Kado Fish Market’s strategic role in serving not only Abuja but also customers from six to seven neighboring states. However, she acknowledged that the market’s aging infrastructure poses significant health risks, necessitating immediate attention.
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During her tour, she observed the market’s operations, including the critical use of cold rooms for fish preservation, which are essential for maintaining the local economy and supporting livelihoods. Tamuno emphasized that the redevelopment would be approached collaboratively, ensuring that both the Market Association and traders are involved in every phase of the project.
Reflecting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ Tamuno reassured stakeholders that the government is committed to inclusive and community-driven development. She revealed that further meetings are planned to refine the redevelopment strategy, ensuring it meets the needs of both the market and the broader community.
Mohammed Ibrahim, Chairman of the Kado Fish Market Traders Association and General Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Traders, FCT Chapter, expressed cautious optimism following Tamuno’s visit. He noted that this was the first official engagement from a GMD since the market’s inception, marking a potential turning point in the dialogue between traders and the AICL.
However, Ibrahim also addressed ongoing legal issues, noting that the matter is currently in court due to previous disagreements and lack of proper communication. He suggested that Tamuno’s visit was likely an effort to reopen discussions and explore potential collaborations based on the new plans she presented.
Despite the positive discussions, traders voiced concerns about transparency and their role in the redevelopment process. In response, Tamuno assured them of the administration’s commitment to openness, promising that the traders’ interests would be central to the project’s execution.
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