By Our Correspondent
The Suleja International Market project in Rafinseyi, Niger State, remains incomplete six years after its initial timeline, despite house demolitions and a N400 million payment to the contractor.
Planned as a hub for economic activities, including a bus terminal, the project was scheduled for completion in March 2020 but remains stalled.
On-site inspections by SaharaReporters revealed minimal progress, with only a few buildings present.
Between 2018 and 2019, numerous houses were demolished to pave the way for the market.
Residents lament the loss of livelihoods, expressing frustration over the government’s failure to deliver.
Documents show the project was awarded to Exson Limited in 2019 for N1.6 billion, with N400 million paid.
However, an audit report in 2022 indicated no significant progress, recommending either a return to the site or reimbursement of funds.
Former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello had praised the project’s progress in 2022, but two years later, it remains non-operational. Efforts to contact Niger State officials for clarification have been unresponsive.
The delay has raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
Residents are calling for urgent action to complete the project and fulfill its promise of boosting economic activities in the region.
