The Kebbi state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku-Bagudu, Monday, said the state government has spent over N2 billion to reconstruct 1,050 shops destroyed by fire at the Birnin Kebbi Central market.
He made the disclosure at the Birnin Kebbi Central Market, while handing over 350 reconstructed shops to the original owners, who met the requirements set by the government.
Recall that the central market was destroyed by fire in December 2016.
The governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, said the state government would accord the original shop owners priority in the reallocation of the shops.
“Anybody who owned a shop before would be reallocated a new one, and those who inherited shops from their parents and are legally conducting their businesses in those shops will also be considered.”
The governor advised those seeking to buy new shops to follow due process to secure them.
The governor reminded the traders that the shops remained the property of the state government, hence the need for them to ensure prompt renewal of the annual dues whenever it expires.
He assured the traders of the government’s commitment to release the shops to them soon.
Atiku-Bagudu encouraged the management of the market to ensure judicious distribution of the shops to legitimate traders, warning that the state government would not hesitate to take decisive measures against officials, who violate the established rules.
