…on-site inspection, new directives on drainage and finishing works takes centre stage
By
Taiye Bayode
In line with Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo’s Urban Renewal Agenda and the administration’s drive to reposition Lokoja as a modern, well-organised State capital, the Lokoja Ultra Modern Market has continued to stand out as one of the flagship infrastructure projects championed by the State Government.
In furtherance of this commitment, stakeholders on the project undertook a comprehensive walkthrough of the sprawling market site, before retiring for their monthly project review meeting, bringing together the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, who anchored proceedings; the Commissioner for Works, Barr. Salami Ozigi Deedat; and the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Alh. Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu.
Addressing the meeting, the Commissioner for Commerce, Alh. Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Musa-Amana Sualihat told stakeholders that while progress on the project remains commendable, the State Government expects even more from the team going forward, noting that the citizens of Kogi State are looking forward to a facility that exceeds what they have previously known.
She thanked members of the project committee for their patience and continued involvement, and prayed for the continued wisdom of Governor Ododo in piloting the affairs of the State.
After reviewing updates from the previous meeting and specifying correct drainage dimensions, the committee flagged that one location, receiving a higher volume of water close to the market’s warehouse section, may require further enlargement, with all technical specifications and corrections communicated formally in writing.
The contractor’s team confirmed that wall tile samples had already been selected and approved, with floor tile options also approved and currently being procured ahead of installation across the various sections of the market.
Stakeholders noted, following the day’s walkthrough, that the market’s toilet facilities had already been inspected, with floor tiling for that section yet to be laid but already being sourced, with the contractor also confirming submission of a new, revised programme of works reflecting the project’s current status, which stakeholders agreed to study further and share on the project’s official communication platform for wider review.
On the automation of the market’s warehouse facilities, the contractor’s team explained that the automated door systems being installed are fitted with battery backup capable of lasting up to thirty minutes without electricity, in addition to a manual remote-control override for extended power outages, ensuring the warehouses remain fully operational regardless of power supply. Stakeholders also directed that partition walls between individual stalls and warehouse compartments be built up to full height, to properly secure traders’ goods and prevent cross-access between adjoining spaces, work which the contractor confirmed was already ongoing.
On a query regarding the possible relocation of certain stalls, the contractor’s team clarified that the current construction strictly follows the approved design as fixed structures, and that any specific units required to be mobile would need to be communicated through a separate written instruction. A query on the regular presence of the project supervisor at site meetings was also raised and resolved following clarification from the contractor’s team, with a separate request regarding the provision of office equipment, with the contractor citing workload constraints.
The contractor’s team thereafter presented its progress report for the reporting period of 13th August to September, which was received with commendation from stakeholders, who noted visible improvement in the pace and quality of work since the last meeting, confirming what had already been observed during the site walkthrough earlier in the day.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Barr. Salami Ozigi Deedat, commended the contractor’s performance, noting that appreciation from government is reserved strictly for contractors who demonstrate genuine commitment to quality delivery, pointing out that recognition is intended to serve as motivation to sustain the standard already being demonstrated on the project, while expressing anticipation of further progress ahead of the next scheduled review meeting at the end of the month.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the pace of work would be sustained, as the State Government continues to work toward delivering the Lokoja Ultra Modern Market to an International standard befitting its ambition for the State.
