The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory announced that the President has instructed the FCT Administration to renovate the former Ministry of Agriculture building for the new Ministry of Livestock. This directive was given during an inspection of the building in Abuja’s Central Business District and the ongoing construction of the Kugbo International Market. The Minister emphasized the urgency of the project and mentioned that companies would be invited to assess and provide quotations for the refurbishment. An integrity test conducted on the building yielded positive results.
Additionally, the Minister directed the Department of Development Control to remove buildings obstructing a road corridor leading to the Kugbo International Market. He highlighted the importance of encouraging the market as an international standard facility and ensuring affordability for traders to discourage roadside trading in the FCT.
The Minister stressed the need to balance the interests of investors and traders, stating that while investors deserve to make a profit, roadside trading should not be allowed. Plans were discussed to negotiate affordable rates with the investor to facilitate trader access to the market without compromising profits.