C’River Govt Strengthens Oversight of Calabar Ultramodern Market Project

Share on WhatsApp Share via Email The Cross River State Government has strengthened its oversight of the ongoing Calabar International Ultramodern Market project with the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Project Monitoring Committee to ensure quality construction, compliance with approved specifications and timely delivery.

The Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Abigail Duke Orok, inaugurated the committee on November 5, 2026, describing it as an important government mechanism for coordinating technical supervision and ensuring that the project meets its development objectives.

Orok explained that the committee would operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce as the lead government agency, with representatives drawn from the Ministries of Works, Lands and Urban Development, Justice and Housing, the Bureau of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and the Council on Climate Change.

She said the committee was mandated to monitor the performance of government and private-sector partners, inspect construction materials, verify the quality of structural works and ensure strict compliance with approved engineering designs and technical specifications.

“The committee is expected to ensure that the project is executed according to approved standards, agreed timelines and the quality requirements befitting an international ultramodern market,” she said.

The Commissioner added that members would track construction milestones and submit regular, objective and evidence-based reports to the state leadership to facilitate effective monitoring and timely resolution of implementation challenges.

Expressing appreciation to Governor Bassey Otu for creating an enabling environment for private-sector investment, Orok particularly acknowledged the participation of Mesotho Group in the development of the market.

She disclosed that the Calabar International Ultramodern Market was designed as a world-class commercial centre equipped with integrated banking facilities, a medical centre, modern security systems and other essential infrastructure to provide a conducive environment for traders, investors and customers.

The Commissioner assured prospective investors and other stakeholders that the state government was committed to delivering a modern commercial hub that would expand business opportunities, attract investment, create employment and strengthen Cross River State’s position as a destination for trade and commerce.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Director in the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, Engr. Dr. Nicholas Ndifon, commended Governor Otu for his people-first approach to governance and pledged the ministry’s full support towards the successful delivery of the project.

Ndifon assured that his office would deploy the necessary technical expertise to ensure that land development, physical planning and other related components of the market conform to international standards.

Similarly, Mr. Benjamin Osor, representing the Ministry of Housing, pledged the ministry’s commitment to enforcing appropriate structural standards throughout the construction process. He also encouraged traders, business owners and corporate organisations to invest in the project, expressing confidence in its commercial prospects.