No fewer than 5,000 traders and merchants were exceedingly excited about an equipped and secured N3 billion ultra-modern market in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State.

According to them, the completed market was not only structured and functioning but also benefited the traders and their families, improving their living conditions.

The recently commissioned market by the state government in Damaturu, which was opened to traders, is aimed at more organised and environmentally friendly business transactions in the state capital.

Some of the traders, who expressed their joy to The Guardian on Tuesday at the market complex, thanked the state government, particularly Governor Mai Mala Buni, for completing the market to boost trade and commerce in the metropolis.

They added that the facilities in the market have already improved business transactions by providing enhanced security and traders’ conveniences.

Hauwa Mai Isa, a food items vendor, said that the new market has already overcome the long-standing challenges faced by thousands of market women in Damaturu.

She said, “Until now, we were operating in makeshift shops, seated along the roadside. During the rainy season, it was always difficult for us, as our goods were exposed to rain and sandstorms.

“But with this modern market in Damaturu, we now have proper shops and a better environment to trade.

“We sincerely thank Governor Buni for fulfilling his promise to traders. This project has restored our dignity and boosted our morale.””

Similarly, a poultry feed distributor, Luka Yohanna, described the ultra-modern market as a timely economic intervention that would attract more customers and business partners in the Northeast.

He said, “This is the first time we have had this kind of organised market structure in Damaturu. The layout is perfect, with space for parking vehicles and room for customers to move freely without being frustrated by congestion. This will definitely increase patronage of the market’s wares.

“We commend the governor for thinking about small-scale traders like us. This market will not only benefit traders but also other business men and women engaged in trade and commerce in the Northeast region of the country.”

Falmata Abatcha, a mother of five children who also deals in millet, wheat, and other food items, stated, “The improved security situation and sanitation in the ultra-modern market have led to seamless transactions of goods and services for 18 hours daily,” adding that the market warehouses are also secured against market-shop burglars.

“The present security arrangements at the modern market are better than what we used to go through, with lots of losses in profits.”

Beyond the securing of market for the thousands of traders, she said, “All of us now can close the over 2,000 lock-up shops without fear.

“The traders also have provisions for water supply and waste disposal bins for regular evacuation.”

She noted that these market facilities could also attract more investors to the state’s trade and tourism sectors.

She stated that, in addition to these secured market facilities, the modern facilities would encourage young people to invest in small-scale businesses that could tackle both poverty and unemployment in the state.

Mallam Mohammed Dumburi, who sells building materials at the market, commended the state government, describing it as “this ultra-modern market is a significant commitment to economic growth and development of the state.”

He further stressed that the establishment of this market in Damaturu shows that the government is very serious about improving commerce and trade in the state.

Dumburi also prayed that more development projects, such as a modern market, would be provided for traders in other local government areas.

Moved by the traders’ excitement over the market, the market’s General Manager, Bulama Lerema, commended the Mai Mala Buni administration for the socio-economic landmark project that has impacted the lives of many traders and merchants.

He said the approximately N3 billion market was designed to meet global standards by providing traders with a safe, clean and well-organised market environment to conduct their businesses daily.

He said the market is equipped with adequate security personnel, efficient waste disposal, and structured shop allocations to ensure orderliness among traders and customers.

Lerema, therefore, assured the traders of effective and efficient management of the market facilities and services, and urged them to cooperate with the authorities and security agencies to maintain the market.