The Abia State Government has approved the remodeling and reconstruction of a section of the iconic Ariaria International Market in Aba. The announcement was made by Hon. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, who stated that the project aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s urban renewal and infrastructure agenda.
The remodeling, to be handled by Checkbest International Limited, aims to upgrade the market to meet global standards in safety, sanitation, road infrastructure, fire protection, and digital commerce integration. Ariaria, home to over 2 million traders and renowned for shoemaking and leather works, is one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs.
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Hon. Nwokocha noted that traders in the affected areas will be temporarily relocated to facilitate smooth construction without disrupting business activities. He commended stakeholders for their cooperation and assured them of a seamless transition and timely delivery.
This move follows decades of neglect, flooding, and fire incidents caused by poor planning. In 2024, the government began reconstructing Ariaria road to improve access to the Aba–Port Harcourt expressway.
The state reaffirmed its commitment to creating a modern, business-friendly market that supports local enterprise and international trade.
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