Oyo Signs N3.5bn Contract for Rural Market Upgrades

The Oyo State Government has signed contracts totalling N3.5 billion for the first phase of upgrading and remodelling three major rural markets across the state, as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity and enhance market access for rural communities.

The initiative falls under the Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (OY-RAAMP) and is aimed at transforming traditional market structures into modern, efficient hubs equipped with improved infrastructure and logistics support.

The markets selected for this phase include:

• Aare-Alasa Market in Akanran, Ona-Ara Local Government Area
• Oja-Agbe Market in Iseyin Local Government Area
• Oja-Oba Market in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area

Speaking in a statement released on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the upgrades would include modern infrastructure, enhanced storage systems, and better road access to streamline agricultural trade.

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“These markets will undergo comprehensive modernisation, including upgraded infrastructure, enhanced storage facilities, improved access roads, and other critical features aimed at streamlining agricultural logistics and supporting both farmers and traders,” Olaleye said.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abosede Owoeye, described the contract signing as a landmark in the state’s agricultural transformation agenda, aligning with Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to food security and economic empowerment for rural dwellers.

Providing a financial breakdown, the OY-RAAMP Coordinator, Adeola Ekundayo, revealed the project allocation:

• N1.23bn for Aare-Alasa Market (Ona-Ara LGA)
• N1.22bn for Oja-Agbe Market (Iseyin LGA)
• N1.04bn for Oja-Oba Market (Ibarapa Central LGA)

Ekundayo added that the Agro-Logistics component of RAAMP is tailored to reduce post-harvest losses, improve rural market infrastructure, and strengthen rural road connectivity.

She named the contractors for each market:

• Quicbond Nigeria Ltd for Aare-Alasa Market
• Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd for Oja-Agbe Market
• AB-Bond Habitat Ltd for Oja-Oba Market

Ekundayo urged all contractors to work closely with host communities to ensure smooth implementation and the sustainability of the projects.

The initiative is seen as a major step toward achieving Governor Makinde’s rural development goals and fostering inclusive economic growth in Oyo State.

 

 

 

Content credit: Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola

Image credit: P.M EXPRESS