Aboh Mbaise Council Denies Reports of Eke Nguru Market Sale, Clarifies PPP Development Plan
The Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area has dismissed reports alleging that Eke Nguru Market has been sold, describing the claim as misleading and contrary to the facts surrounding the ongoing market redevelopment initiative in the area.
The council explained that the redevelopment of Eke Nguru Market is part of a broader markets development programme aimed at stimulating economic activities, improving infrastructure, and creating a more conducive environment for traders and investors.
According to the local government, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements were entered into with developers for the redevelopment of strategic markets across the council area, including Eke Nguru Market (Old and New), Afor Enyiogugu Market, Orie Uvuru Market, and Nkwogwu Market.
The council maintained that ownership of the markets remains unchanged, stressing that the agreements are development partnerships designed to enable private investors finance and execute infrastructure projects while recovering their investments under agreed terms.
It further noted that the redevelopment initiative followed consultations with relevant stakeholders, including traditional institutions, town unions, and community leaders, to ensure broad-based participation and support for the projects.
The local government also clarified that the market development arrangement was undertaken by the council in line with its statutory responsibilities and was not a transaction conducted by any individual or community leader in a personal capacity.
Officials said similar arrangements are already being implemented in markets such as Afor Enyiogugu and Orie Uvuru, where ongoing infrastructure improvements are expected to boost commercial activities and enhance economic opportunities for traders and residents.
To promote transparency, the council stated that relevant partnership agreements would be properly documented and made available through official channels in accordance with applicable procedures.
Meanwhile, the groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of the markets has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to developing critical economic infrastructure across Aboh Mbaise and urged residents to disregard misinformation regarding the ownership status of the markets.
