The Abia State Government has approved the remodeling and reconstruction of a section of the Ariaria International Market, appointing Checkbest International Limited as the firm to execute the project. The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, who said the initiative is part of Governor Alex Otti’s broader urban renewal and infrastructure agenda aimed at modernizing commercial hubs across the state.
According to Hon. Nwokocha, the remodeling is intended to transform Ariaria into a globally competitive business environment with enhanced safety, sanitation, and operational standards. The project will feature upgrades including road networks, drainage systems, fire safety infrastructure, and provisions for digital commerce.
The Commissioner added that preparations for the official flag-off of the project are underway, after which traders in the affected sections will be temporarily relocated to avoid disruption of commercial activities during the construction phase. He expressed appreciation to market stakeholders and traders for their cooperation and assured that government would work closely with them to ensure a seamless transition and timely completion of the project.
“Ariaria International Market is a key economic engine, and this remodeling marks a turning point in our commitment to create a safe and business-friendly environment for traders,” Nwokocha stated.
Ariaria, often called the commercial heartbeat of Aba, is one of the largest and busiest markets in West Africa. Established in 1976 after a fire destroyed the old Ekeoha Market, Ariaria has grown into a hub for leather goods, particularly shoemaking, with over 37,000 stalls. Its client base extends beyond Nigeria to countries in Europe and Africa, contributing significantly to Aba’s reputation as a manufacturing center.
Despite its importance, Ariaria has long struggled with poor infrastructure, including chronic flooding and fire outbreaks. The 2022 flooding, which followed a remodeling attempt in the A-line section, led to widespread losses for traders and protests that were dismissed by the previous administration as politically motivated.
The current remodeling plan follows the 2024 approval of the Ariaria access road reconstruction, aimed at easing the pressure on the market’s congested roadways and enhancing connectivity to the Aba–Port Harcourt expressway.
