As part of its efforts to facilitate the establishment of the Adamawa State Markets Management Company, the Adamawa State Agribusiness Support Programme (ADAS-P) has continued engagements across nine local government areas where 12 upgraded grain and livestock markets are located.
The initiative aims to harmonize and standardize markets practices, deapen value addition, provide opportunity for establishment of business relationship between value chain operators and improve overall business environment in the markets.
The visit seeks consent of the affected local government councils as part of the process of establishing the company, earlier approved by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
ADAS-P has engaged council chairmen of Mubi South, Mubi North, Gombi, Song, and Numan Local Government Areas, among others.
Speaking during the meetings, the ADAS-P Team Lead, Dr. Ahmed Garba, stated that the proposed company would take over the management of the 12 upgraded livestock and grain markets under the programme, as approved by Governor Fintiri.
He explained that the initiative is designed to ensure effective maintenance of the markets while providing additional infrastructure to enhance commercial activities across the state.
Dr. Garba
emphasized that the new structure would not interfere with local government revenues, noting that representatives of the councils would be included on the company’s board. He added that the company would introduce digital systems to modernize operations and improve revenue generation.
In his remarks, the Head of ADAS Programme Component One, Mr. James Bridling, said the 12 upgraded markets under his supervision are expected to generate increased revenue for local governments. He assured stakeholders that proceeds from the new system would be transparently shared.
Officials of the affected councils expressed support for the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the Lamurde Local Government Council Chairman, the Council Secretary, Mr. Jinteno E. Tonkloso, expressed satisfaction with the process and signaled the council’s readiness to support the programme. He described the initiative as a welcome development that would improve business activities and assured of the council’s full cooperation.
The meetings were attended by representatives of the Adamawa State Ministry of Local Government Affairs, alongside executive and legislative council members, as well as ADAS-P officials.
So far, ADAS-P has presented operational frameworks and consent letters to Fufore, Toungo, Mubi South, Mubi North, Gombi, Song, Numan, and Ganye Local Government Areas. Plans are underway to engage the remaining councils hosting the upgraded livestock and grain markets and to conclude the tour in Yola South Local Government Area.
The visits were undertaken to:
Clarify grey areas regarding the proposed transfer of markets to the Adamawa Markets Management Company (AMMC); and
Guide local government councils on the procedures for preparing and submitting consent letters for the transfer.