The Yobe Government says it has completed the construction and rehabilitation of seven ultra-modern markets and eight industries to boost trade and commerce in the state.
The state Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Tourism and Solid Minerals, Kaigama Yusufari, stated this during a news conference in Damaturu on Thursday.
He said the completed ultra-modern markets were located in Potiskum, Damaturu, Geidam, Nguru, Gashua, Yunusari and Ngalda towns.
Yusufari said construction of modern markets in Machina, Buni Yadi and Buni Gari towns had reached various stages of completion, assuring that the projects would be handed over to the ministry in December.
The commissioner announced that the ministry had recently secured approval for the construction of modern markets in Yusufari, Baymari, Sabon Garin Nangere, Gigir, Ngelzerma, Bumsa and Babbangida.
He noted that the initial plan was to build one modern market in each of the 17 local government areas of the state in line with the economic blueprint of Gov. Mai Mala Buni.
Yusufari said four sesame cleaning and packaging industries were also completed and awaiting inauguration in Machina, Nguru, Potiskum and Damaturu.
The commissioner said the factories would be leased out for effective management through the coordination of Yobe State Agency for Public Private-Partnership and Investment Promotion (YAPPPIP).
He announced that a United Arab Emirate firm had recently visited the state and expressed interest to invest in Potiskum Sesame Factory.
“In fact, we already signed an MoU with them as we speak. So if they are convinced, we enter into an agreement,” Yusufari said.
The commissioner listed industries resuscitated by the Buni-led administration to include the Sahel Aluminium Industry, Potiskum, Flour and Feed Mill, Potiskum, Pre-pressed Concrete Poles Industry, Damaturu, and Polythene and Woven Sack industry, Damaturu.
He said the ministry also secured approval for the resuscitation of Dofarga Spring Water Company in Gulani, adding that plans had reached an advanced stage to revive the Fertilizer Blending Plant in Gujba.
Yusufari said a Trailer Transit Park in Potiskum was also completed, adding that Damaturu Mega Shopping Mall and Mega Motor Park projects had reached advanced stages of completion.
According to him, there are 26 solid minerals untapped in different parts of the state.
Yusufari said a consultant was engaged by the ministry to go round the state to determine the location, quantity and quality of the mineral resources.
On tourism, the commissioner said, the state would soon host a desert car and camel race, modelled after global events in Dubai and Middle East as part of efforts to boost the sector.
He said plan had reached advanced stage to reintroduce the Bade Fishing Festival and upgrade the Machina and Gudi Hill cultural festivals.
NAN