The first Abuja Farmers Market has been commissioned by the FCT Minister, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar.

Dr. Umar said at the occasion that the market was built in order to give all classes of Nigerians equal opportunity “to dwell and grow in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility”.

Dr. Umar said that it is the responsibility of the government to provide a level play field for all classes of men to mutually co-exist in the interest of the nation and that the FCT Administration will be pacesetter in this regard.

The Minister urged all residents to do what it takes to appropriately play their parts; saying that “we are all stake holders in the project Abuja.”

Dr. Umar directed the Abuja Property Development Company to immediately commence the construction of similar Farmers Markets in six districts of the Federal capital City.

According to him, the six districts that will enjoy this facility in a couple of months include Garki I, Wuse I, Wuse II, Gwarinpa I (Life Camp), Gwarinpa II and Asokoro.

In order to make the shops affordable to the petty traders and subsequent price reduction on products to consumers, the Minister instructed that the shops annual rents be slashed from over N900,000 to N500,000 only.

He however challenged the traders who were allocated the shops to find betters ways to improve the display of the fresh food in the market.

The Minister charged them to maintain high level of hygiene and general cleanliness in the market so that it does not become an eyesore.

Dr. Umar at the occasion revealed that the FCT Administration has concluded arrangement to build 13 Neighborhood Libraries in the Federal Capital City this year.

“We will embark on people oriented programmes and projects that will positively impact on the lives of the ordinary Nigerian residing in the Federal Capital Territory,” he emphasized.