In what many perceive to be a turning point for grassroots commerce in Nigeria’s capital, the newly inaugurated Kugbo International Market is already shaping up to be more than just a place for buying and selling, it is emerging as a symbol of hope, empowerment, and national economic revival.
At the heart of the buzz is Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who led the official commissioning of the market’s first phase. Addressing a crowd of jubilant traders, entrepreneurs, and investors, Mahmoud did not mince words:
“This market is not just a structure—it is a living, breathing ecosystem designed to empower our people, boost trade, create jobs, and inspire investment,” she said.
A statement by the special adviser to the minister on media, Austine Elemue indicated that the was built by thenAbuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) in partnership with the private sector under a Build-Operate-Transfer model, the Kugbo Market boasts over 1,600 business spaces, including lock-up shops, terrace shops, and warehouses.
The statement explained further that the infrastructure, which also includes a clinic, banking halls, a fire station, restaurants, and convenience facilities, represents a bold new era for inclusive commerce in the FCT.
Perhaps the most impactful moment of the event came when Amb. Maureen Tamuno, Group Managing Director of AICL, announced that shops would be allocated free of charge to hardworking traders from each of the six Area Councils in the FCT.
“These are not just business spaces, they are lifelines, chance at economic independence,” Tamuno said to applause. “We are putting real power into the hands of real people.”
Among the beneficiaries is Fatima Danladi, a widowed mother of three who has sold vegetables in makeshift stalls for nearly a decade. Holding the keys to her new lock-up shop, her eyes welled with tears.
“I never thought I would ever own a proper shop,” she whispered. “This is like a dream. Now my children can go to school, and I can sleep knowing I have a future.”
The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and reflects a growing shift toward people-centered development, where public-private collaboration is not just about profit—but about purpose.
As Mahmoud summed it up: “This market is where commerce meets community, where vision meets opportunity. It is a place where renewed hope is not just a slogan—it’s a lived experience.”
With its mix of strategic planning, modern infrastructure, and a deep commitment to empowering the everyday Nigerian, Kugbo International Market may soon become the template for market development across the country—where prosperity is shared, and hope is built one shop at a time.
