The Adamawa State Government has attributed the ongoing unrest and protests surrounding the Modibbo Adama Ultra-Modern Market in Yola to the actions of trade union officials. Authorities claim that the list of original shop owners, intended to receive priority for new units after the market’s reconstruction, was compromised by corruption and errors.
Chief Joab Sahma, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, stated that his office received an influx of reports from displaced traders who were unfairly left off the allocation list. In response, the state established a formal committee to audit the documentation provided by union heads. The investigation revealed that organizers had inserted fraudulent names while intentionally removing legitimate previous tenants.
To rectify these issues, the government is removing fake entries to guarantee that original owners regain their positions. Sahma also accused specific union figures of using their influence for financial kickbacks and noted that scammers have been defrauding hopeful traders by promising them shop allocations in exchange for large sums of money. The commissioner promised that all verified former owners would eventually receive their shops.
Construction of the new facility is currently 80 per cent finished, with a final handover scheduled for September. Beyond this project, the government plans to begin renovations on the Jimeta Modern Market to further stimulate the local economy.
