Governor Monday Okpebholo says traders will be allocated shops free of charge at the rehabilitated Oba Market in Benin when the project is completed, to help them return to business quickly.

Mr Okpebholo made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing projects in the state with a group of editors.

The Oba Market was destroyed by a major fire in June 2020 and suffered another fire outbreak in October 2025.

He said the free allocation would apply only for an initial period, after which the traders would be expected to make payments.

“Just as we came in to start building, we promised them that it was going to be free. The initial access has to be free,” he said.

The Edo governor explained that the decision reflected his administration’s commitment to supporting traders affected by the rehabilitation and remodelling of the market. He said that under the new plan, traders in the section now being rehabilitated would move first into the newly completed section so work could continue.

Mr Okpebholo said the first phase of the project has delivered a crèche, a clinic, water supply, fire service facilities and other amenities meant to improve the welfare of traders and customers.

The governor explained that the market now has about 900 shops, made up of roughly 500 lock-up shops and 400 open stalls. He added that the rehabilitation, which began in 2025, is intended to give traders and residents who patronise the market a more conducive and functional environment.

(NAN)