The contractor handling the reconstruction of Oba Market in Benin City, Engr. Shahid Mahmud, has assured that the project will be completed and handed over to the Edo State Government within the next two weeks.
Mahmud gave the assurance while speaking to journalists during an inspection visit to the project site by Monday Okpebholo. The governor’s visit was unannounced and aimed at assessing the progress and quality of work at the market.
According to the contractor, the project has reached approximately 97 percent completion. He explained that work on the upper-level shops is nearly finished, with only minor adjustments remaining, while efforts are ongoing on the ground floor, including tiling and flooring.
“We have increased manpower on site to ensure timely completion within the next two weeks,” Mahmud said.
He noted that the market, which was destroyed by fire incidents in 2020 and 2025, has been transformed into a modern commercial complex. The redesigned structure now features about 450 open shops on the ground floor, alongside solar-powered lighting, ceiling fans, and other contemporary facilities.
During the visit, Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by members of his entourage, was taken on a guided tour of the facility by the project site manager. He inspected various sections of the market and expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.
The governor recalled his campaign promise to rebuild the market and provide traders with a safer and more conducive environment for business.
“You can see the level of progress achieved here. This project is a fulfilment of the promise we made to the traders during the campaign,” Okpebholo stated.
He also attributed the success of the project to the support of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President has shown consistent interest in the project and provided necessary financial backing.
According to the governor, the President regularly inquires about the progress of the reconstruction and has ensured that funds are made available to address challenges faced during execution.
Oba Market, one of the most prominent commercial hubs in Benin City, was severely damaged by fire outbreaks during the administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki.
The ongoing reconstruction is part of the state government’s broader effort to modernize infrastructure and improve economic activities across Edo State.
