10 months after, FCT farmers market yet to kick off

A multimillion-naira, state-of-the-art farmers market commissioned last year in Utako District of Abuja by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is yet to start operating in full capacity.

With vast sections deserted and activities minimal, the project has raised serious questions regarding planning, affordability and stakeholder engagement.

The market was approved for a wide range of groceries, including fruits, foodstuffs, frozen foods and confectionery, but the high financial barrier has stifled uptake.

Commissioned in early April 2025 by the administration as part of a pre-50th-anniversary infrastructure drive, the Utako Farmers Market was heralded as a modern, green-energy hub.

Designed to connect farmers directly with consumers, reduce post-harvest losses and boost rural incomes, it, however, sits idle, 10 months after commissioning. Weekend Trust’s visit to the facility revealed a different reality: empty lock-up shops covered with cobwebs, quiet walkways and a handful of traders operating within a space built for hundreds.

The solar-powered market, built on 3,000 square metres, boasts of 50 lock-up shops of varying sizes, seven large warehouses and 40 informal stalls. Despite its appealing architecture, the atmosphere is one of inactivity — a silent contrast to the typical bustle of a Federal Capital market.

Financial data indicates a significant mismatch between the project’s pricing and the economic reality of local traders.

The prices are as follows:

The total projected revenue from outright purchases amounts to approximately N2.379 billion.

However, investigations reveal that immediately after commissioning, a single stakeholder allegedly purchased the bulk of the lock-up shops with the intent to resell them at a profit.

“The revenue goes back to Abuja Investment, but you see those shops; one stakeholder bought almost everything. That’s ‘real business’ for you. They tell you it is business; and it is. The only thing we still collect direct rent on are the open stalls,” a source disclosed on the condition of anonymity.

For petty traders like Sunday Taofeek, a crayfish seller, the outright purchase model is a barrier.

“The price is simply too high, considering the current inflation being experienced  in the country. They want outright sale, which I cannot afford,” he lamented.

Another trader, Kafayat Atirola, acknowledged the quality of the facility but criticised its accessibility.

“Imagine paying N700,000 a year for a small space. The government is meant to reduce the burden on the masses, but this does the opposite. Although the market is built with good materials, it doesn’t serve us if we can’t afford it,” she said.

Don’t let market become a waste — Residents

A cross-section of FCT residents who spoke with Weekend Trust has appealed to the FCT Administration to take urgent steps to ensure the Utako Farmers’ Market is operational.

A resident, Mrs Sunday Mary, said that when the market was commissioned, the community was excited to have such a facility close to them.

“But we are disappointed that months after the official ceremony, nothing is happening there. The FCT Administration should ensure the facility is put to use,” she said.

Another resident, who gave his name simply as Prince, questioned why the market remains closed to the public.

“Didn’t they put all the necessary logistics in order before commissioning it? If care is not taken, this will become just another wasteful investment,” he warned.

Similarly, Mr Isiaka Raheem urged the relevant FCT agencies to swing into action and make the market operational to justify the funds spent on the project.

Analysts criticise ‘top-down’ approach

A public affairs analyst, Aliyu Ilias, criticised FCTA’s methodology, arguing that the end-users were not adequately consulted.

“A bottom-up approach was not considered. You must ask people what they actually want and design it with them in mind.

“Just like some pedestrian bridges that remain unused, we must design facilities to suit the actual needs of the people,” he noted.

Weekend Trust reports that FCTA’s strategy to transition traders from unregulated street markets into the new facility, including clamping down on street trading, has also faced hurdles. And the solar power designed to enable longer hours and better food preservation, remains out of reach for those priced out of the market.

The Utako Farmers Market represents a significant investment with laudable goals. However, its current state highlights a critical gap between visionary infrastructure and inclusive implementation.

As it stands, the facility risks becoming a white elephant project —a modern, empty shell where lack of traders underscores the need for policies that prioritise affordability, alongside physical development.

When contacted, the Director of Operation, Abuja Markets Management Ltd, Innocent Amachina, said the market would soon pick up, adding that it is just a matter of time.

“It will pick up like the Maitama farmers market. It takes time before traders start operating. This is typical of a market. It will start gradually.

“We keep engaging traders on how to move there. As I speak to you, I am on my way to sign agreement with traders to make them start moving to the location in order to reduce traffic congestion at their current location.

“It will also encourage the people that rented shops to start their businesses. All the shops are rented out,” he explained.

He said the prices of the stalls and lock-up shops did not affect the opening of the shops.

“Price has nothing to do with the opening of the shops. It is left for the traders to be convinced to start operating at the new market,” he added.

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