The Executive Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, on Tuesday laid the foundation for the upgrade of the Kpaduma Community Market.
The project, set to be completed under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, aims to provide a modern, one-stop complex for local and foreign investors.
Speaking at the event, Maikalangu emphasized his administration’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to business growth by removing barriers such as insecurity and poor infrastructure.
He noted the importance of the market in boosting economic activity and providing a safe space for traders.
He said: “It is a great pleasure for me to personally attend and address you on this historic occasion which is the foundation laying ceremony of upgrade of Kpaduma Community market.
“This event is dear to my heart and our greater together Administration because of our desire to not only restore the glory of our beloved council, but also build an economy that will provide opportunities and support the entrepreneurial spirit of the AMAC man, woman and youth.
“This is why I welcome and appreciate all businessmen and women, corporate and bodies, that have come from far and near to witness this occasion.
“The upgrade of this community Market under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, will provide a befitting complex which will serve as a One-Stop-Shop for investors doing business with us.
“Since assuming office in 2023, our Greater Together Administration has continued to remove all obstacles that are strange to economic growth such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, and stress of doing business among others.
“Today, we have made a lot of progress in turning around the infrastructural development in our communities, such that many investors are now eager to leave in our communities, because of access road and safety and our youth are reaping the benefits.
“This market when completed will not only encouraged the communities around here to sale their farm products on a daily basis, but equally assisted them to do business in a well organized manner and safe environment.
“As I recently visited the demolition site of shops built at Kpaduma Community building materials, I emphasized that the ongoing removal of illegal structures may be in line with the FCDA Extant Planning Laws and Regulations and aimed at ensuring order and sanitizing the FCT built environment space. I want to therefore, direct that those effected shop owners should immediately move into this market and occupy the existing space and shops in the main time.”
He added: “To give Kpaduma Community a new look, every trader selling on the road side of Guzape, Asokoro, up to the bypass, should immediately take advantage of our intervention and move into this market for safety purposes. already FCTA has been notified on today’s event, as I continue to seat with Directions in charge of the relevant authorities concern, in order to aid me bring development more closer to my people.
“I invite both local and foreign investors to come and invest in AMAC in the area of markets, holiday resorts, game reserves, hotels, picnic sites, entertainment, fashion and other opportunities that will meet global standard and improve business.
“As part of making the investment climate more friendly, our Administration is putting in place infrastructure such as roads and street lights on major and feeder roads in our communities.
“We are ready to do more in line with our commitment to providing a conducive atmosphere for smooth operations and partnership with private sector under PPP arrangements.
“Producers and consumers of goods and services are encouraged to take advantage of this market, as it opens doors for our small and medium entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations and products.
“This is one of the major ways we can create jobs, reduce unemployment, boost our economy, and engage our teaming youths thereby eliminating crime and idleness.
“Let me at this point appreciate the good working relationship between AMAC and the FCDA for understanding with us that a community such as this, ought have to a community market that will serve the general economic development of the people.
“Also, in the nearest further, we shall also witness the groundbreaking/ foundation laying ceremony of community market in Gida Daya, Kuchingoro and Karshi communities and I assure you, that road infrastructure is our major priority.
“On this note I hereby declare the ground laying foundation of upgrade on Kpaduma Community market Open to the glory of God and humanity as well the prosperity of AMAC.”
