Cross River State just locked down a public-private partnership with Mesotho Group to build the Calabar Ultramodern International Market in the Esit Ebom community. Commerce Commissioner Abigail Orok said the whole thing has been Governor Bassey Otu's pet project since he took office, and the deal finally got signed after Mesotho beat out other bidders. CEO Jerry Joseph Damara confirmed his company does market development, and he asked the state to back them up since they're coming from Abuja.
The new facility is supposed to have a jetty, solid security, and water views when it opens in about two years. They've already grabbed over 40 plots for the site, and different trader categories will get their own dedicated sections.
Orok mentioned the project should kill off Watt Market, which apparently looks terrible. Justice Ministry rep Orok Okon said both sides need to stick to the timeline, while Damara stressed the market will serve regular vendors selling everyday stuff like fish, not just upscale businesses.
The new facility is supposed to have a jetty, solid security, and water views when it opens in about two years. They've already grabbed over 40 plots for the site, and different trader categories will get their own dedicated sections.
Orok mentioned the project should kill off Watt Market, which apparently looks terrible. Justice Ministry rep Orok Okon said both sides need to stick to the timeline, while Damara stressed the market will serve regular vendors selling everyday stuff like fish, not just upscale businesses.
