Abuja Investment Company To Redevelop Kado Fish Market
By: Fatima Nadada
The Abuja Investment Company Limited, the investment arm of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), is committed to redevelop the Kado Fish Market, in Gwarimpa I District, Abuja.
The Group Managing Director (GMD) of Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), Dr. Maureen Tamuno, made this disclosure during her visit to the market, Monday.
Tamuno, who paid a working visit to the market to assess the market’s current state, engaged with key stakeholders, including the Market Association and traders.
The GMD highlighted the strategic significance of Kado Fish Market, which serves as a vital center for fish-related commerce in Abuja, drawing customers from six to seven neighboring states.
During the visit, Tamuno observed various operations, such as the use of cold rooms for fish preservation, which are crucial for sustaining livelihoods and supporting the local economy.
Recognizing the urgent need for redevelopment, she pointed out the health risks posed by the market’s aging infrastructure.
The GMD stressed the importance of a collaborative approach involving both the Market Association and traders to ensure that the redevelopment is carried out in a phased and inclusive manner.
She emphasized that, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, the government is focused on engaging with the community to ensure their active participation in the redevelopment plans.
Tamuno said that additional meetings are planned to refine the redevelopment strategy; ensuring that it benefits not only the market stakeholders but also the wider community.
On his part, the Chairman of the Kado Fish Market Traders Association and General Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Traders, FCT Chapter, Mohammed Ibrahim, also shared his perspective; saying that “the visit of the new GMD is the 1st since the inception of the market and now she is officially engaging with us.”
He noted that most of their discussions before now were unofficial, thus, with her visit and the presentation of plans, they are now in a better position to review them and consider how to partner with AICL.
However, Ibrahim touched on the ongoing legal issues: “This matter is currently in Court because of a failure to reach an agreement and properly inform us. That’s likely why she visited us, to open discussions and explore avenues of collaboration based on the plan the new GMD has stated
We look forward to futher engagements to forge a way forward.”
Abuja Digest reports that while discussions were positive, traders expressed concerns about trust in government-led projects, particularly regarding transparency and their involvement in the redevelopment process and Tamuno reassured them of the administration’s commitment to openness and inclusion.
