The contractor handling the reconstruction of the Oba Market in Benin City, Engr. Shahid Mahmud, has assured that the project will be completed and handed over to the Edo State Government (EDSG) within the next two weeks.
Engr. Mahmud gave the assurance while speaking to journalists during an unscheduled inspection visit by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to assess the progress and quality of work at the site.
According to him, the project has reached 97 percent completion, with only minor finishing works remaining.
“The upstairs shops are almost 100 percent completed, while minor maintenance is ongoing downstairs. We are currently working on the ground flooring and tiling, and have deployed additional manpower to ensure delivery within the next two weeks,” he said.
He explained that the historic Oba Market, which was gutted by fire in 2020 and again in 2025, has been transformed into a modern commercial complex with a mall-like structure. The facility now features about 450 open shops on the ground floor, equipped with solar-powered lighting, ceiling fans, and other modern amenities.
Governor Okpebholo, who was conducted round the facility by the project site manager, inspected various sections of the market and expressed satisfaction with the level of work done.
The Governor recalled his campaign promise to rebuild the market and provide a safer and more conducive environment for traders.
“You can see the level of work done here. During our campaign, we promised to rebuild this market, and today we have fulfilled that promise. What you see here is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the people,” he stated.
Governor Okpebholo also attributed the success of the project to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President has shown keen interest in the progress of the reconstruction.
“President Tinubu has consistently followed up on the progress of this project and has provided the necessary support, including funding, which has made this level of achievement possible,” he added.
It would be recalled that a major fire incident destroyed the popular Oba Market in Benin City during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2020 and again in 2025.