The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau has lauded the state government efforts to reconstruct the burnt Jos Main Market for the economy benefit of the people and the state.
The Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Mr Sylvanus Namang in a statement, said that the state government was working towards signing a memorandum of understanding with Jaiz Bank Nigeria Plc.
According to him, the reconstruction of the market will cost the government N9.4 billion.
Namang lauded Gov. Simon Lalong led administration for the initiative, adding that it would significantly boost state economy when completed.
He further said that the market remained a cherished heritage of the people of Plateau.
The publicity secretary said that the main market remained strategic and accessible from all parts of the state, unlike the satellite markets.
“From available facts, all the satellite markets built at Kabong, Farin Gada, New Market and Katako, are less than 50 per cent occupied.
“This is so because, traders have moved to Terminus in Ahmadu Bello Way, Murtala Muhammed Way, and all adjoining streets to the burnt market, which has led to frequent gridlocks and environmental hazards.
“Traders operate in locations where they are better patronised and cannot be moved by fiat.
“However, to allay the fears of our people, the state government has sufficiently assured the people that the involvement of Jaiz Bank Nigeria Plc. is purely economic.
“The bank cannot because of its funding of the development of the market reconstruction islamise the state, as is being mischievously peddled by the opposition for selfish reasons,’’ he said.
Namang stated that the market would remain the property of the Plateau Government as Jaiz Bank Nigeria Plc. has no business whatsoever in managing it.
According to him, the much touted 40 years applies only to the allottees of the shops in the market who reside in Plateau, regardless of their faith or ethnicity.
“To those asking why embarking on the reconstruction late in the life of this administration which has only nine months to go, the APC wants them to know that government is a continuum.
“Moreover, the process and efforts towards rebuilding the market commenced in 2016 and not 2021.
“Government only opened discussions with Jaiz Bank Nigeria Plc. in 2021 after previous disappointments by other prospective Investors,’’ he added.
He further stated that the rebuilding of the market would be carried out in three phases, and would not leave the state with any debt.
Namang pointed out that from every indication, the state government would not be putting down a dime in the project other than the land it would contribute as equity.
He advised those opposing the reconstruction for political reasons to have a rethink as posterity might not judge them kindly.