The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has reaffirmed her commitment to a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economy, emphasizing the need to empower local farmers, support small agribusinesses, and enhance food accessibility for residents of Abuja.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the first-ever green, solar-powered Utako Farmers Market, Mahmoud described the project as a game-changer for agricultural trade in the FCT.
Special adviser on media to the minister, Austin Elemue in a statement indicated that the state-of-the-art market, developed by Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), is designed to eliminate middlemen, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost rural incomes.
“This market will not only serve as a hub for economic empowerment but also as a center of agricultural excellence, connecting producers directly with consumers,” she stated.
She urged farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs to take full ownership of the facility and maximize its potential for economic growth.
The Minister commended Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) for its strategic vision and emphasized that the success of the market highlights the power of public-private collaboration in driving sustainable development.
She also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike for their unwavering support in advancing the capital city’s economic and infrastructural development.
In her remarks, Amb. Maureen Tamuno, Group Managing Director/CEO of AICL, described the Utako Farmers Market as Nigeria’s first-ever Green Solar-Powered Market, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), which promotes sustainable cities and communities.
“With this market, we are demonstrating our commitment to environmental sustainability and addressing the global challenge of climate change,” Tamuno stated.
She further explained that the market’s reliable and clean energy supply would enable traders to operate for extended hours, preserve perishable goods, and boost their income, supporting the food security agenda of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Utako Farmers Market, spanning 3,000 square meters, features 50 lock-up shops, 40 informal stalls, and 7 warehouses, providing a modern and eco-friendly trading environment.
This initiative marks a major step toward making Abuja a world-class, environmentally friendly city, setting the stage for future sustainable urban development projects across the nation.
Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Inaugurating the Market
