Edo gov promises traders free shop allocation at renovated market

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has promised traders free initial shop allocation at the rehabilitated Oba Market in Benin City to help them resume b Read More:…

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said traders will be allocated shops free of charge at the rehabilitated Oba Market in Benin City when the project is completed to enable them to resume business quickly.

According to a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing projects in the state, accompanied by journalists.

Okpebholo said the free allocation would apply only for an initial period, after which the traders would be expected to make payments.

“Just as we came in to start building, we promised them that it was going to be free. The initial access has to be free,” he said.

He explained that the decision reflected his administration’s commitment to supporting traders affected by the rehabilitation and remodelling of the market, which was razed by a major fire in June 2020 and suffered another fire outbreak in October 2025.

The governor said the market had two sections. One had remained undeveloped for about 11 to 12 years, while the other was in better condition and needed remodelling.

Under the plan, traders in the section currently being rehabilitated will first move into the newly completed section to allow work to continue. They will return to their original locations once the second section is completed.

Okpebholo said the first phase of the project included a crèche, a clinic, water supply, fire service facilities and other amenities intended to improve the welfare of traders and customers.

The market now has about 900 shops, comprising roughly 500 lock-up shops and 400 open stalls.

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