The Suleja International Market, located in the Rafinseyi area of Suleja, Niger State, was envisioned as a major economic hub for the local government area and the entire state. The project was designed to include a market and a bus terminal on a vast expanse of land. However, six years after its inception, the market remains incomplete.
Initially slated for completion in March 2020, the project has faced delays spanning over five years. Chronicles Reporters’ investigation revealed that the contract bidding process began as far back as November 2012. Yet, on-site observations show that the market is far from operational, with only minimal structures in place.
Demolitions and Unfulfilled Promises
Residents recall that between 2018 and 2019, the Niger State government demolished numerous houses on the land earmarked for the project. “They demolished houses here claiming it was for the market project, but we are yet to see any functioning market,” a local business owner told Chronicles Reporters.
Another resident disclosed that the government justified the demolitions by citing the lack of Certificates of Occupancy for some property owners. “They promised development, but nothing has materialized,” the resident lamented.
Many in the area expressed frustration, noting that the demolitions led to the displacement of families and loss of livelihoods. “Do you know how many people were affected? How many homes were destroyed for this stalled project?” a concerned resident asked.
Financial Discrepancies and Delays
The project was partly funded through a N5 billion bond issued by the Niger State Government. Documents from the Emerging Africa Group reveal that the contract was awarded to Exson Limited at a cost of N1.6 billion, with N400 million already paid by the government. Despite this, there has been little visible progress.
According to the state’s audited financial statement for 2022, the last payment to Exson Limited was made in November 2019. The report highlighted that the contract period had elapsed by March 2020 without significant progress. It recommended either mobilizing the contractor back to the site or revoking the contract and recovering the funds.
Conflicting Statements from Officials
Interestingly, in 2022, then-Governor Abubakar Sani Bello praised the project’s progress, stating it would boost economic activities in Suleja once completed. “It’s a great project. Though delayed, we are seeing results,” he remarked. However, two years later, the market remains non-functional, contradicting the governor’s optimistic assessment.
Lack of Accountability
When Chronicles Reporters visited the site, workers present could not confirm when the market would be completed. Efforts to reach Niger State’s Information Commissioner, Binta Mamman, proved futile as calls went unanswered, and WhatsApp messages, though read, were ignored.
This lingering delay raises questions about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds for the project.
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