Niger State authorities have taken action to shut down and demolish the popular Thursday Weekly Madalla Market in Suleja Local Government Area.

This market has long been known for causing significant gridlock on the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, prompting concerns from both commuters and local officials.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, upon assuming office, made a commitment to relocate the market as part of his administration’s Urban Renewal initiative under the New Niger Agenda.

The goal is to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance urban planning.

The demolition was carried out by the Suleja Local Government, which oversees the market. Consequently, the market did not operate on its usual Thursday schedule this week.

In discussions with the media, Suleja LG Chairman Alhaji Isyaku Bawa Naibi explained that the decision to demolish the market was prompted by traders’ failure to comply with directives to refrain from selling on the main road, exacerbating traffic congestion.

Naibi highlighted the lack of substantial revenue generated from the market, with only N100,000 to N120,000 received weekly.

He emphasized the need for proper planning by temporarily relocating the market to another area until approval is obtained for rebuilding and optimizing its layout for maximum benefit.

The chairman emphasized that the demolition is part of broader efforts to boost economic advantages for the council, the residents of Madalla, and the state at large, while ensuring smoother traffic flow on the highway.