NEWS
Ariaria International Market Leadership Moves to Repair Dilapidated Gates, Dangerous Manholes in Aba
The new leadership of the famous Ariaria International Market in Aba, Abia State, has continued its inspection and intervention tour aimed at restoring major entrance gates into the market and addressing the growing danger posed by damaged manholes within the commercial hub.
The tour, which had already commenced last week, was initially led by the Chairman of the Market, Chief Polycarp Mojiuba, alongside the Vice Chairman, Mazi (Sir) Ufere Inyama, the Treasurer, Chief Alex Ikechukwu Ozukwe, the Chief Security Officer of the market, Hon. Chizoba Onyeukwu, and other members of the leadership team.
Continuing the exercise on Monday, June 8, 2026, the Vice Chairman of the market, Mazi (Sir) Ufere Inyama, alongside the Treasurer, Chief Alex Ikechukwu Ozukwe, visited key access points including the Free Zone Gate, Enyimba Gate, and Building Materials Gate.
The inspection exposed the deteriorating condition of several entrance gates, many of which have become security concerns for traders and visitors doing business in the market. The leadership expressed deep concern over the poor state of the facilities, noting that the damaged gates have left the market vulnerable to theft, unauthorized access, and other security threats.
Attention was also drawn to several abandoned and damaged manholes scattered across parts of the market, which traders described as deadly traps that have caused repeated accidents and hardship over the years.
In a swift response to the situation, the market leadership has already commenced repair works on some of the damaged gates while efforts are also underway to cover and fix several of the dangerous manholes within the market environment.
During the exercise, many traders gathered around the leadership team to narrate their experiences and frustrations concerning the neglected infrastructure. Some recounted incidents involving injuries, destruction of goods, and the security challenges associated with the failed entrance structures and uncovered manholes.
The latest move by the new Ariaria International Market leadership is already being seen by traders as a bold step towards restoring safety, improving infrastructure, and strengthening confidence within one of the largest markets in West Africa.