Gov. Mai Mala-Buni of Yobe on Wednesday laid the foundation of the N2.6 billion Potiskum Modern Market project.
Speaking at the occasion in Potiskum, Mala-Buni said over N195 million was approved for payment of compensation to owners of the land used in building the market.
He said the project was in line with his administration’s drive to boost trade and commerce.
He noted that the market and the ongoing Truck Transit Park project in the area would transform Potiskum from a major town to the commercial hub of the state and the north-east in general.
The governor said similar market projects were ongoing in Nguru, Damaturu, Gashua, Ngalda, BuniYadi and Geidam towns.
Mala-Buni urged residents of Potiskum to give the contractor the necessary support and cooperation to complete the project within the agreed period of 12 months.
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Earlier, the State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Alhaji Barma Shettima, said Mala-Buni had approved the payment of 30 per cent mobilisation fee for the contractor, Ponglomerape Nig. Ltd.
He said the project was cited on 8.5 hectares of land and its inner structures include 575 shops, abattoir, administrative building, fencing, exit gates, gate houses, conveniences, parking lots, security outposts and roads.
The commissioner charged the contractor to strictly adhere by the contract specification and hand over the project within the stipulated period.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had earlier flagged off the construction of 2.6 km Potiskum township roads and 5.2 km concrete drainage in the area.