𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗧𝗛 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗞𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗔 𝟮𝟰-𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

The ceremony, held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, brought together traditional authorities, government officials, heads of departments, and residents of the district. It followed a welcome address by the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Karaga, Hon. Iddrisu Yakubu Dasana, who spoke on behalf of the chiefs and people, expressing gratitude to government for the intervention.

In his address, Hon. Ali Adolf John described the project as a transformative initiative under the government’s 24-hour Economy policy aimed at stimulating local economies, creating jobs, and enhancing productivity across the country. He emphasized that the market, when completed, would serve as a modern commercial hub operating beyond conventional trading hours, thereby expanding opportunities for traders, farmers, and entrepreneurs.

He noted that the facility would provide a conducive and secure environment for business activities at all times, particularly benefiting women and the youth who form the backbone of the local economy. According to the Minister, the project will enable traders to increase their incomes through extended trading hours while offering farmers a reliable platform to sell their produce, ultimately reducing post-harvest losses.

Hon. Ali Adolf John further highlighted that the market would not only benefit Karaga but also surrounding communities by attracting traders from within and beyond the district. This, he said, would promote inter-district trade, strengthen local value chains, and contribute to broader economic growth in the Northern Region.

He also underscored the social benefits of the project, indicating that the modern market would be equipped with essential facilities such as proper sanitation, storage spaces, lighting systems, and security infrastructure to ensure safety, hygiene, and convenience for users.

The Minister added that the construction phase would create employment opportunities for local artisans and labourers, thereby injecting income into the local economy even before the project is completed.

He, however, urged the contractor to adhere strictly to timelines and quality standards to ensure the timely delivery of the project. He also called on chiefs, opinion leaders, and residents to cooperate with the contractors and safeguard the project to avoid delays.

Earlier in his welcome address, the DCE, Hon. Iddrisu Yakubu Dasana, expressed appreciation to government for prioritizing the Karaga District in the rollout of the 24-hour Economy initiative. He noted that the market project would significantly improve trading conditions in the area and uplift the economic status of the people.

He assured the Minister of the district’s full support and commitment to ensuring the successful execution of the project.

The 24-hour Economy Market forms part of government’s broader strategy to decentralize development and create sustainable economic opportunities at the local level.

The ceremony concluded with the official handing over of the project site to the contractor, paving the way for the commencement of construction works.