Traders in the popular Garki International market in the Nation’s capital city are now jubilating as the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,( FCT), Mallam Mohammad Musa Bello, has unsealed the International Market for the commencement of trading activities, after 5 days since it was shut because of the filthy condition of the market.
This development is as a result of the satisfactory sanitary condition after inspection of the market environment by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, led by its Director, Engr. Osilamah Braimah.
Representing the FCT Minister at the Market this evening when the market was declared opened to the public, Senior Special assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to the Minister, Mr. Attah Ikharo, revealed that whilst on inspection of the market yesterday, the level of work done to sanitize the market was unsatisfactory, hence the market could not be reopened.
This prompted a high powered meeting which held thereafter between AEPB and the Abuja Market Management Limited, (AMML) and the market association officials.
The synergy amongst concerned stakeholders resulted in work done in optimum efficiency today and the subsequent reopening of the market for public use.
“The work done since morning has been very encouraging and this is why the Hon. Minister Directed that the Garki International Market be reopened Immediately for the commencement of trading activities.
However, the Minister issued a stern warning that should the market’s environment deteriorate again, it will be shut indefinitely.
His desire is for the market to be conducive and safe for not only traders, but for the entire public, hence, clean the environment, trade and add value to the Nigerian economy,” he said.
Also speaking, Engr. Osilamah Braimah, Director AEPB reiterated that the market is now fit and proper condition for business.”Following the directive of the Hon. Minister, we have reopened the market for business. We will continue to monitor the market as we do all markets, schools and plazas, in the FCT, to ensure they are safe for all residents and for those who come to do business.
I therefore urge market managers, traders’ associations and all traders that the very clean condition the market is in now, be maintained at all times” he said.
Responding, the market manager, Mrs. Tolani Ofulue thanked the FCT Minister and the AEPB for reopening the market to the relief and delight of traders. “We are happy the market is reopening and we promise to keep the market clean at all times. We have resolved to maintain the international standard of the market.
The market was reopened because we met all the conditions given to us yesterday by the AEPB Director and there is a substantial compliance to directives issued to us,” she rearked.
