Over the years, the Delta State Government has pursued an aggressive drive to attract investors into the state. One of the landmark projects already yielding results is the Asaba International Market. In this interview with members of the Special Project Team, the Project Manager of Efab Properties, Engr. Uzor Umejesi, sheds light on the progress of the project and highlights the prospects of doing business in Delta State. Excerpts:
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Engr Uzor Umejesi. I am the Efab Property Project Manager, handling the Asaba International Market, Abraka, formerly known as the Hausa Market.
Tell us about the project. What stage are you on now?
We are currently waiting for the governor’s groundbreaking ceremony. But we have already started the job in earnest, and we have been able to achieve quite a lot.
Let me give you a breakdown of what we are expecting to have there. The government gave us 35 hectares of land for the project. It is a partnership business: the government provided the land, while we are the ones financing and executing the project.
We have about 8,000 shops planned, which will include an open market. In addition, there will be crèche facilities, banks, a trailer park, a car park, a shopping mall, clinics, a recreation centre, police posts, schools, fire service stations, modern public conveniences, and all the facilities you normally see abroad. That is why it is called an “international” market.
We also have an incinerator for waste disposal. These are some of the major features of the market.
At present, the first project we completed was the administrative office. This is already standing on-site, with workers inside. It is designed to house both the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) officials who supervise the project and our own administrative staff and engineers.
As for the market itself, we have already completed about 200 open shops. Remember, the shops come in different sizes, for instance, 15 square metres and 26 square metres. Out of the 26 square metres, we have already completed over 250, and more than 150 of the 15 square metres.
What delayed us earlier was that we were waiting for the groundbreaking ceremony from the governor, through the State Capital Territory Development Agency, which is still in process. We have not yet started selling, but some weeks ago, we were given approval to go ahead.
The impression is that the Asaba International Market is still a paperwork and has not taken off. What can you tell people who have this belief?
No, the Asaba International Market is not just a paper project. It is a live, ongoing investment. Anyone can go to the site and see the administrative block, marked-out roads, and completed buildings. This is not something only on paper. It is a real, functioning project with workers currently on-site.
What is the target completion timeline?
Because of the current economic situation in the country, we cannot give a strict benchmark. However, the project should not exceed 36 months. It is being done in phases, since it is a commercial hub. Also, considering its closeness to Onitsha, a lot of people now prefer to invest in their home base. So this project comes at the right time.
Since you’ve just received approval to sell, how has public interest been so far?
The level of interest is very high. People are coming in and showing strong interest. I do not have the exact figures at hand because all the data is kept at the site office, and I would not want to quote figures that may be inaccurate.
Is the market specialised, for example, only auto parts, or is it general like what is had in Ogbeogonogo or Onitsha main market?
It is an international market, but well segmented. Within the fenced complex, there will be sections for fish, electronics, gas, plumbing, cement, clothing, and textiles, all manner of goods. Out of the 8,000 shops, we also have between three and five official banks already confirmed, and up to 105 warehouses.
What inspired this project?
Our company, Efab Properties, is not new to real estate and rural/urban development. We have built projects across Abuja, Lagos, and the eastern part of the country. Beyond estates, we also run Top Rank Hotels, with close to 20 branches nationwide.
The inspiration behind the market is to contribute to the economy, provide jobs, and give the host community a sense of belonging. The late Asagba of Asaba, we had an agreement with him that some part of the management would be done by their people because the market is in their place.
This is beyond government initiative; it is the CEO’s initiative. Our CEO, Chief Dr Fabian Nwaora, insisted that we must not just take from the community but also give back. So part of the management will include people from the host community, and many jobs will go to them.
Why I am not mentioning the percentage now is that the agreement was not in writing, so it is subject to change. But we are certain that we will have indigenous workers there, which has two advantages: one, that they are residents there, and they also deserve what they get from what they have invested. They own the land whether the government acquired it or not.
Traditionally, the land belongs to them, even if the government acquired it. In Igbo culture, there is what is called paying homage to the true landowners, even after purchase. So it is only right that they are carried along. This will make the economy grow and eradicate a lot of vices.
Will the market be able to compete with existing markets?
Yes. Aside from providing the same goods at competitive prices, it will bring orderliness to Asaba. Asaba is very serene. Bringing the market to our doorstep will also tackle the issue of agberos (touts).
When you go to the Onitsha market to buy something, you can be asked to pay money just for dropping something on the ground. Asaba is refined, that is why we are bringing it to our doorstep at the same price, a competitive price. With the International Market in place, the government can relocate street traders there, creating a cleaner, safer environment for the city.
How affordable are the shops, because shop rents in Asaba, especially in busy areas, are expensive. What are the rates of this international market?
It is a function of personality now. The government and Efab Properties are trying to make it affordable to the people, but if Mr A comes and buys from the government, he can decide to put his own rent, which is beyond our control.
But for the offtakers buying directly from Efab through the government, it is very affordable. But one may buy as a civil servant who does no business there, for example, and set the shop rent at N1 million. The government and Efab have no control over that.
However, the government deliberately provided the land and partnered with us so that ordinary people could afford shops directly from the source.
What do you foresee for the market in the future?
In one or two years, the market will definitely boom. We studied the shortcomings of the Onitsha market and made sure to address them here. For instance, we have five strategically placed fire service stations, four police posts at all gates, plus the main police post inside.
We also have a clinic, a crèche for nursing mothers, and security measures to avoid congestion and crime even in the next 50 years. One of the rules we gave to the owners of the land is that they are going to be part of the security personnel as market masters.
What about the issue of “area boys” disturbing contractors during big projects?
The government gave us the land to avoid any encumbrances. They gave us the approval for the land; probably, they have settled with the people. Whatever we give to locals on-site is voluntary and from goodwill, not from pressure.
Let’s talk about business generally in Asaba. What is the environment like compared to other states?
Business here thrives with a good strategy. Beyond structures, marketing is key, but most importantly, God’s grace. We believe in working with clean hands, avoiding corruption, and letting God bless the work of our hands.
Asaba is strategically placed, like Abuja or Lagos, and is fast becoming a hub for Igbos who want to invest. Going to Onitsha to buy goods is stressful; so, why not have the same goods at your doorstep in Asaba? All these are responsible for the economic boom in Asaba.
As an investor, how would you assess the government’s role and policies in supporting businesses?
The government is not hostile at all. Doing business is, of course, expensive, but that is normal everywhere. Task forces are only there to ensure compliance with taxes, environmental sanitation, and regulations. Everything we pay goes directly into official government accounts, not into personal pockets.
For example, if you avoid paying ground rent, there will be penalties the following year. That is simply the rule of law. Just as in a hotel business, if a staff member misbehaves and money is deducted from their pay as a penalty, it is not wickedness but discipline. Similarly, government regulations help maintain order and standards.
Are you concerned about competition from other markets?
Not really. For instance, in Onitsha main market, one line alone may have 1,000 textile shops, yet they all survive. What matters is the brand you build. Top Rank has been around since 2001 and, by God’s grace, has not had scandals. Our name alone inspires trust. The same principle applies to this market project.
