Demolition of structures at the popular Creek Road Market in the old Township axis of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, have signposted the onset of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s move to holistically transform the market into a bustling commercial hub.
Kristina Reports reliably learnt that Fubara officially signed to contract award for the total overhaul of a landmark commercial infrastructural project of the historic Creek Road Market.
The new market, which, according to the state government, will feature modern shops, improved sanitation, proper drainage, and enhanced security.
Construction work is expected to commence immediately after the demolition exercise which is currently ongoing with several dilapidated structures brought down by heavy machinery.
The government said the project, which is the centerpiece of the administration’s 2026 Urban Renewal Policy, aims to transform the currently congested and hazardous trading area into a modern economic powerhouse.
Several of the traders at the market welcomed the development, saying it would boost commercial activities and support urban renewal in the state, while appealing for a transparent allocation process that prioritizes original shop owners and long-standing traders.
For residents of Port Harcourt, many of whom patronize the popular market, this is more than just a renovation; it is a long-awaited fulfillment of a promise to restore the “Garden City” aesthetics while providing a dignified environment for thousands of the state’s micro-entrepreneurs.
A Port Harcourt resident, Negui Allison told Kristina Reports that “this is a welcome development, it is long overdue, we appreciate the governor for all his efforts”.
Another resident, who only identified himself as Tony, said “I can’t wait to see the new look, this will decongest traffic on this axis”.
Currently, sections of Creek Road have been cordoned off and converted into a temporary trading zone.
While this has caused significant traffic bottlenecks in the Township axis, the State Ministry of Works has deployed additional personnel to manage the flow of shoppers and vehicles.
According to information from the State Ministry of Works, the new Creek Road Market is designed to be a smart commercial hub.
Unlike the old sheds, the new facility will incorporate modern sanitation systems to handle the high volume of organic waste from the seafood section, a move that even local health officials say will significantly reduce the risk of waterborne diseases in the area.
The financial reasoning behind the project is rooted in expanding the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). By formalizing the market, the government can better track commercial activities and provide traders with “Shop Titles” that can serve as collateral for microloans, a major source of concern for Port Harcourt traders who currently operate in the informal shadows.
As demolition continues, the eyes of the business community remain on Creek Road, not just for the new buildings, but for the new model of inclusive development it promises to represent.
Governor Fubara had informed the people of the State that a transparent, tech-driven allocation portal will be launched to prevent “middlemen” from hijacking the shops when completed.