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A historic change is happening in Abia State as the ambitious reconstruction of the Ariaria International Market, also called the Ariaria Ultra-modern Market, records a major breakthrough. Read Our Last Post: Strange Behaviour of Newly Employed Nurse in Hospital Leaves Staff Worried
Reports from the Abia State Government confirm that more than 4,000 modern shops have already been completed and handed over to traders. This is a key milestone in the ongoing redevelopment project that is expected to deliver 10,000 state-of-the-art trading units in total. The government says another 6,000 shops will be completed in the next two years.
The Ariaria International Market has for many years been described as the “China of Africa” because of the wide range of goods and services available there and the strong entrepreneurial spirit of Aba people. It is not only important for Abia State, but also for Nigeria and the whole of West Africa. However, traders have faced serious challenges in recent times, ranging from poor infrastructure, inadequate drainage, and overcrowded stalls to flooding and sanitation problems. These conditions made business stressful and sometimes dangerous.
The new Ariaria project is designed to put an end to those difficulties. The 4,000 completed shops are different from the old wooden or concrete stalls that traders were used to. They come with modern designs, better ventilation, stronger security features, and a clean layout. Paved roads, proper drainage systems, waste disposal plans, and constant power supply are also being put in place as part of the wider project.
Speaking on the progress, a spokesperson from the Abia State Ministry of Trade and Investment said the fast pace of construction shows the seriousness of the administration. “We are very proud of this achievement. Over 4,000 shops now mean thousands of entrepreneurs can do business in a world-class environment. This is a clear step forward for our economy,” the spokesperson explained.
The full plan for the Ariaria Ultra-modern Market is bigger than just the shops. The government says the market will also have banks, healthcare facilities, a fire service station, and well-planned parking areas. The idea is to make it a self-sustaining commercial city where traders and buyers can feel safe, comfortable, and productive.
Some traders have already moved into the new shops. Mrs. Ngozi Okoro, a textile dealer, described her joy at the new development. “This is completely different from what we used to have. In the old market, during rainy season, water entered everywhere. Customers could not even reach me sometimes. Now, my shop is clean, safe, and attractive. Customers are happier too. For me, this is a new start.”
While the excitement is clear, challenges remain. Funding such a large project requires heavy investment and consistency. Proper monitoring is also needed to make sure shops are allocated fairly and facilities are maintained. Some traders are still worried about temporary disruption to their businesses during the construction period.
Despite these concerns, many residents and business leaders believe the project is a turning point for Aba. They say the full completion of 10,000 shops will not only improve trade but also create more jobs, attract foreign and local investors, and boost the overall economy of Abia State.
For now, the 4,000 shops stand as proof of progress. Work is still continuing every day on the remaining phases. When completed, the new Ariaria International Market will likely become one of the most modern commercial centres in Nigeria, giving Aba back its long-standing reputation as a hub of creativity, trade, and resilience.
The journey to 10,000 shops continues, and with every new unit built, the vision of a truly modern Ariaria moves closer to becoming reality.
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