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The Garki Market Traders Association, GAMMA, has urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, to halt ongoing developments along the Railway Transit Corridor adjoining Garki Model Market, alleging that the conversion of reserved areas for commercial purposes could worsen congestion and compromise emergency access.
The association, in a statement, also called for an investigation into the demolition of trading structures in the area on June 4, 2026.
GAMMA alleged that a mosque was affected during the demolition and that copies of the Holy Qur’an were destroyed in the process.
The traders said they were particularly concerned that development activities had commenced on portions of the corridor following the demolition, raising questions about the purpose of the exercise and the planning approvals authorising the subsequent developments.
According to the association, the Railway Transit Corridor was originally preserved as a transportation right-of-way and buffer zone.
It said the corridor also served as an alternative parking and logistics area for heavy-duty vehicles, traders’ distribution and delivery vehicles, as well as a strategic route for emergency operations.
GAMMA said the gradual loss of parking and circulation spaces within Garki Market had already contributed to severe congestion, with traffic spilling onto adjoining roads, including Mobolaji Bank Anthony Boulevard.
It warned that further conversion of the corridor would reduce available spaces for parking, loading and off-loading, making access more difficult for customers, traders, delivery vehicles and emergency responders.
The association also recalled that between 2008 and 2009, the then Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) relocated operators dealing in kerosene, firewood, charcoal and cooking gas from the main market to designated areas within the corridor.
It said the relocation was part of a government safety measure aimed at reducing risks associated with potentially hazardous activities within the main market.
GAMMA therefore questioned the current conversion of portions of the corridor, arguing that such developments could undermine the safety considerations that informed the earlier government policy.
The association said it had participated in stakeholder engagements on the Garki Market Master Plan since 2006, when Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) assumed management of the market.
According to GAMMA, the original development plan provided for adequate parking facilities, improved internal roads, public conveniences, waste-management infrastructure, emergency access and an alternative exit route.
It further alleged that AMML subsequently assured traders that a multi-level car park, additional parking facilities, improved circulation and an alternative exit road linking the rear of Garki Market towards Garki Model Market would be provided.
The traders, however, said many of the promised facilities remained undelivered despite the continued expansion of commercial developments, putting increasing pressure on the market’s existing infrastructure.
GAMMA is demanding the release of the approved Garki Market Master Plan and subsequent amendments, as well as development-control approvals for current developments.
It also wants the authorities to make available traffic-impact assessments, fire and environmental safety assessments and the technical basis for any change in the use of the Railway Transit Corridor.
The association called for an investigation into the June 4 demolition and the alleged destruction of the mosque and Qur’anic materials, with appropriate relief for affected traders.
GAMMA stressed that its opposition was not to development but to what it described as development without adequate infrastructure, transparency, consultation and regard for public safety.
It urged the FCTA, Development Control, FCT Fire Service, AEPB and other relevant authorities to intervene immediately, suspend further development within the corridor pending a comprehensive review and ensure that emergency routes and other critical public infrastructure were protected.
The association warned that failure to address the concerns could worsen congestion, increase safety risks and heighten tensions within the market.
It urged the authorities to act before further development made the situation more difficult to reverse.
