Wike commissions new Karmo District Market in FCT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially opened the New Karmo District Market.

The Guardian reports that the 2,500 shops of various sizes span a 10-hectare site, segmented into distinct areas for diverse commercial activities.

Speaking at the official commissioning of the market in Abuja on Wednesday, the FCT Minister said the event marks a significant step in enhancing commercial infrastructure and economic development within the Federal Capital Territory.

The Karmo District Market, he stated, has been strategically developed to provide a well-structured and modern business hub for traders, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Represented by the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Wike commended Ambassador Maureen Tamuno-led Abuja Investments Company Limited for its outstanding efforts in promoting economic development in the Territory.

He said that under Ambassador Tamuno’s leadership, the company has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering economic growth and development in the FCT.
“The Karmo District Market will contribute significantly to revenue generation for my dear FCT and improve the business environment in the district.
“While we celebrate this achievement, I wish to urge all traders and residents to make proper use of this facility. Let us ensure cleanliness, orderliness, and mutual respect remain our watchwords. I also call on the market leadership to work closely with the authorities to address any challenges that may arise,” he said.

Earlier, the Group Managing Director of Abuja Investments Company Limited, Amb. Maureen Tamuno, noted that the market was developed through a collaborative effort with Rural Homes Limited, a real estate firm, showcasing a successful public-private partnership model.

The GMD said this partnership was facilitated through a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement, highlighting the effectiveness of private sector involvement in public infrastructure development.

According to her, by catering to a wide range of business needs, Karmo District Market serves as a significant catalyst for economic development in the Territory.

Her words: “Our vision for the Karmo District Market is to create a market that supports small businesses, encourages sustainable commerce, and provides residents with access to fresh, high-quality, locally sourced products. Markets are the heartbeat of commercial activities, bringing together merchants, traders, artisans, farmers, and customers in a shared exchange of goods and services.
“Thus, the Karmo District Market offers a platform for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and vendors to thrive and generate employment.”

Ambassador Tamuno reaffirmed the company’s dedication to stimulating private investment in the FCT’s key sectors, leveraging commercially viable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects to drive growth and development.

She also praised the leadership of both the FCT Minister, Wike, and the Minister of State, Dr. Mahmoud, for their dedication to economic development in the FCT.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, as well as the Chairman of All Chairmen and Secretaries of FCT Markets and Plazas, Chief Raphael Okorie, emphasized the project’s role in empowering women traders.

The event was also witnessed by other top eminent personalities.