President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to renovate the former Ministry of Agriculture building to accommodate the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development. This directive was disclosed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during an inspection of the site in Abuja’s Central Business District on Wednesday.

After touring the building, Wike emphasized the urgency of the renovation project, stating that multiple companies would be invited to evaluate the facility and provide quotations. He also confirmed that an integrity test had been successfully completed, paving the way for the refurbishment to begin shortly.

“It is the former Ministry of Agriculture, and we have a directive from Mr. President to refurbish and furnish the place for the new Ministry of Livestock,” Wike noted, adding that the creation of this ministry has been positively received, and renovations would commence soon.

In addition, Wike ordered the immediate demolition of structures obstructing a road corridor leading to the Kugbo International Market from the Mpape axis. This market, developed through a Public-Private Partnership, is part of efforts to relocate traders from FCT roads and foster safer, more organized commerce.

Wike highlighted the need for investors to achieve profitability while ensuring that traders can afford the allocations at the market. “We will consider pricing and ensure that people can afford to get allocations there,” he stated, mentioning ongoing discussions with the investor to find a balance between profit and accessibility.