Gov. Mai Mala-Buni of Yobe on Wednesday turned the sod for the construction of the N2.43 billion Gashua Modern Market.
Speaking at the ceremony in Gashua, Bade Local Government Area, Mala-Buni said the project was in fulfillment of his campaign promise.
He said that the market when completed would boost trade and commerce in the state.
The governor said contract for the project was awarded to an indigenous firm, Sabtech Towers Nig. Ltd and was expected to be completed within 12 months.
He urged the community to give the contractor maximum support and cooperation for smooth execution of the project.
Earlier, Alhaji Barma Shetima, the Commissioner of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, said 30 per cent mobilization fee was approved for the contractor.
Shetima said that the market, which would be built on a six-hectare land, comprised 505 shops, administrative block, refuse bank, roads, drainages, boreholes, among others.
The commissioner said that for 44 years, Gashua town, the headquarters of Bade Local Government, had been without a standard market.
He observed that the project when completed, would provide job opportunities and enhance revenue generation to the state and the local government. (NAN)
