One year after the completion of the multi-billion naira modern cattle market in Soro, Ganjuwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi State, the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) officially handed over the market to the Bauchi State Government on Sunday, 21 July 2024.
During the opening remarks, Abdulsalam Yahaya Ahmed, the Executive Director of Operations at NEDC, highlighted that the market is part of the commission’s broader efforts to promote economic recovery in the North-East subregion, which has been severely impacted by insurgency.
He expressed confidence that the new cattle market would significantly enhance business operations in Soro and the entire Bauchi State, given that it is one of the largest cattle markets in the region.
Ahmed also praised the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, for creating an enabling environment that allowed NEDC to undertake various developmental projects in the state.
While commissioning and officially handing over the market to the Bauchi State Government through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Managing Director and CEO of NEDC, Mohammed Goni Alkali, emphasized that the market is expected to become a major source of revenue and employment for the residents of the state.
He underscored the market’s importance to the economic development of the North-East subregion, pointing out that it serves as a major hub for cattle sales in the area.
Alkali recounted the history of the old market, which had been a significant revenue source but had led to numerous fatalities due to its previous location.
This dangerous situation prompted NEDC’s intervention to build the new market. He stressed that the market belongs to everyone in the North-East subregion, including people from Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Yobe, and Taraba states, encouraging them to come and conduct business there.
Alkali also urged the government and residents of Soro to maintain the market properly, ensuring that any damages are promptly repaired.
He formally handed over the Soro modern cattle market to the Bauchi State Government, expressing hope that it would contribute to the economic growth and development of the state.
In his acceptance speech, State Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by Yakubu Bello, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, thanked NEDC for its various interventions in the state, noting that Bauchi had greatly benefited from the commission’s efforts.
The Governor highlighted the significance of the cattle market in providing employment opportunities, especially for the youth, and as a source of revenue for the community, the LGA, and the state. He assured that the government would ensure the facility is well maintained.
The construction of the market began in 2021, following a contract awarded by NEDC with an initial one-year completion period. However, the project faced numerous setbacks before it was finally completed in 2023.
