Ariaria B-Line Traders to Relocate in 4 Weeks as Otti’s Govt Accelerates Market Reconstruction

Governor Alex Otti’s administration is set to relocate Ariaria B-Line traders to a temporary site ahead of major reconstruction. Discover the full plan and what it means for traders.

…  Traders Assured of Safety and Shop Retention as Temporary Site Nears Completion for B-Line Reconstruction

In a strategic move to modernize one of Nigeria’s largest commercial hubs, the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Chioma Otti has initiated the temporary relocation of traders at Ariaria International Market’s B-Line to pave the way for full-scale reconstruction.

The Hon. Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, on Monday, June 30, led the Tripartite Committee on an inspection tour of the temporary relocation site at the Free Zone of Ariaria Market. The visit was aimed at assessing the progress of the construction and ensuring the safety and readiness of the site before the relocation begins.

Mr. Nwokocha reaffirmed Governor Alex Otti’s unwavering commitment to creating a secure, hygienic, and conducive environment for traders. He emphasized the importance of cooperation and peace between market executives and developers to ensure the successful execution of the project, warning that any acts of sabotage will not be tolerated.

“We are committed to ensuring no trader is left behind. The temporary site meets all standards of safety, hygiene, and convenience. This is a new era of modern market infrastructure,” the Commissioner said.

No Trader Will Lose Their Shop – Developer Assures

Adding more details to the project, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Commerce, Chief Nwaka Inem, clarified that the market’s reconstruction is being executed under a private concession model, not a direct government contract. This approach is part of Governor Otti’s strategy to encourage private sector investment in infrastructural development.

“The developer must show financial and technical capacity to implement the government-approved master plan. This is a PPP model that works,” Chief Inem stated.

The developer and CEO of Checkbest International Ltd, Mr. Chiedozie Njoku, broke down the structure of the B-Line redevelopment. He revealed it has been segmented into three phases, each allowing construction and trading to proceed concurrently. He confirmed that significant progress had already been made, and within four weeks, the temporary site will be fully ready for occupancy.

Crucially, Mr. Njoku assured traders that no one would lose their shop, provided their ownership is verified by the Ministry of Trade and Commerce.

“We will continue to engage traders and zonal heads to make this transition as seamless as possible. Our goal is to modernize without disrupting livelihoods,” he promised.

Traders, Market Leaders Express Support

The Chairman of Ariaria International Market, Hon. Michael Aniorji, thanked Governor Otti for his dedication to trader welfare and infrastructure. He expressed optimism that the reconstruction of the B-Line would enhance commercial activities and reposition Ariaria as a world-class trading hub.

Members of the Tripartite Committee toured several sections of the temporary site to confirm the quality, safety, and convenience promised by the government and developers.

This move is part of Governor Alex Otti’s broader economic agenda to rebuild Abia’s commercial infrastructure, boost investor confidence, and make markets safer, more profitable, and future-ready.

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