7th April, 2015
The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Niger has called on the state government to look for an alternative place for the relocation of the Madalla market along Abuja to Kaduna Road.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr Jonathan Vatsa.
The party noted that the present location of the market close to a highway, had led to loss of lives and property.
“We are worried that despite collecting N1.8 billion loan to build the ultra-modern market, the government of Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu in Niger state has refused to understand the danger of the market still being located along the high way.
“There is no gain saying that the market has witnessed fatal accidents, ranging from tankers veering into the market and most times, setting people and their wares ablaze,” it said.
The party then challenged the state Development Company to explain the delay in re-locating the market, in spite of the huge resources collected for the purpose.
In its reaction, the state government, through Mr Israel Ebije, denied collecting any loan for the purpose of relocating the market.
“There was a consortium that indicated interest in contracting the Madalla new market, which was relocated across the road.
“The stake of Niger state government was the land, which was provided, with a Certificate of Occupancy.
“Niger APC should provide papers indicating that Niger State government, under Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, collected N1.8bn for the market,” said Ebije, in a statement issued on the matter.