The Ebonyi State Government has debunked reports alleging that the ongoing construction of shops at the Abakaliki International Market encroached on land originally designated for parks.
Professor Nwogo Ajuka Obasi, Commissioner for Market Development and Parks, made this clarification during an interaction with journalists in Abakaliki.
According to him, the new shops located at Lot 2 of the market are part of government efforts to address the increasing demand for trading spaces by market women.
“The shops at the International Market are almost completed. They are in Lot 2, which we call the Market Women’s Lot. These shops were designed to accommodate the growing number of women traders,” Obasi explained.
He noted that complaints from traders about congestion and inadequate space prompted the project, adding that the state government would soon outline modalities for the allocation of the shops once construction is completed.
Obasi urged residents to disregard what he described as “social media propaganda” claiming that the shops were being built on park spaces.
“There’s a lot of misinformation online. The International Market follows a clear design, and no one has gone outside that plan. Some designated areas are still awaiting development,” he said.
The Commissioner also revealed that the market’s master plan includes spaces for small-scale industries, with several individuals already developing their allocated plots for ventures such as ice fish cold rooms and other mini-industries.
He further disclosed that the Ministry had recently intervened to stop commercial drivers from converting bus stops and sheds into illegal parks.
