BENIN CITY: The long-awaited reconstruction of the historic Oba Market in Benin City is set for completion and handover to the Edo State Government within the next two weeks, the contractor handling the project, Engr. Shahid Mahmud, has disclosed.
Mahmud gave the assurance on Thursday while speaking to journalists at the project site, shortly after an unscheduled inspection visit by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo. He said work on the market has reached 97 percent completion, with only finishing touches left.
According to him, “The stores upstairs are almost 100 percent completed, as we only have minor maintenance work to do downstairs. We are currently handling the ground
flooring and tiling, but we have deployed more manpower to ensure the project is delivered within the next two weeks.”
He explained that the once fire-ravaged Oba Market has now been transformed into a modern commercial complex with a mall-like structure.
The rebuilt facility features about 450 open shops on the ground floor, equipped with solar-powered lighting, ceiling fans, and other modern amenities designed to enhance trading activities.
Governor Okpebholo, who was taken round the facility by the project site manager, inspected various sections of the reconstructed market and expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work.
The governor recalled his campaign promise to rebuild the market and provide a more conducive and secure environment for traders, noting that the project stands as a fulfilment of that pledge.
“You can see what is happening here. We came here previously to assess the progress of work.
“During our campaign, we promised to rebuild this market, and today we have fulfilled that promise to the traders. What you see here is a clear demonstration of that commitment,” he said.
Okpebholo also attributed the success of the project to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as instrumental in ensuring steady progress.
“President Tinubu is always quick to ask about the progress of work at the market and how I am managing the challenges faced by traders. Each time I brief him, he ensures funds are released, and that is why you see the level of progress achieved here today,” the governor added.
The Oba Market, one of the most prominent commercial hubs in Benin City, was severely damaged by major fire incidents in 2020 and again in 2025 during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, leaving traders counting heavy losses.
The reconstruction project is expected to restore the market’s economic vibrancy while providing modern facilities aimed at preventing future disasters and improving the overall trading environment.
