Across several satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), purpose-built market complexes with rows of unused and locked shops are increasingly sitting idle, even as informal roadside trading continues to expand around them.
In many of these communities, including Kubwa, Dawaki and Dutse-Alhaji, the contrast is striking. While modern market facilities exist, traders and customers still gravitate toward busy road edges and makeshift stalls where commercial activity appears more vibrant.
Notable markets affected include Maitama Ultra-Modern Market, Dutse-Pe Model Market, Army Estate Market in Kubwa, Dawaki Modern Market and Dutse-Alhaji Market within the Bwari Area Council. Many of these facilities were developed through collaborations involving the Federal Capital Territory Administration, area councils and public-private partnership arrangements.
The intention behind the projects was to create organised trading environments, improve sanitation and ease traffic congestion. However, years after their construction, large sections of these markets remain underused.
As Abuja continues to grow rapidly, the Federal Capital Territory has experienced increased population pressure driven by migration and urban expansion, according to projections by the National Population Commission. This growth has pushed commercial activities beyond the capacity of existing formal infrastructure in many areas.
While some traders operate inside designated shop spaces, a significant number prefer roadside trading points where heavy human and vehicle movement offers quicker sales opportunities.
The trend has raised concern among residents and urban planners, who argue that roadside trading contributes to traffic congestion, environmental decline and safety risks. Many believe enforcement alone is not addressing the root causes of the problem.
A Kubwa resident, Mrs Blessing Obike, said it was puzzling to see modern market buildings remain empty while traders occupied the roadsides.
“Beautiful market structures are there, yet traders prefer the roadside. They often scatter when officials come, but return shortly after,” she said.
In Dutse-Alhaji, Mr Musa Ibrahim noted that the situation undermines the original planning vision for the city.
“These markets were meant to organise trading and improve revenue generation, but enforcement is weak. Once officials leave, traders return to the roadsides,” he said.
Traders, however, argue that their choice is driven by economic realities rather than disregard for regulations. Experts also note that the situation reflects the scale of Nigeria’s informal economy, where many workers rely on low-cost, flexible trading options.
Findings from the National Bureau of Statistics show that informal employment remains dominant, largely due to limited access to affordable business spaces, finance and structured support systems.
Many traders say high shop rents, multiple levies and low customer turnout inside markets push them toward roadside locations. Reports indicate that shop rentals in some FCT markets range from about N800,000 to over N1 million annually, depending on location.
A vegetable seller in Dutse-Alhaji, Madam Ruth, said staying inside formal shops is often not realistic for small traders.
“Roadside selling is cheaper. Inside the market, rent and charges are too much, and customers hardly come in. Along the road, people stop easily to buy,” she said.
A provisions seller in the same area added that visibility plays a major role in sales.
“If you are selling small goods, you go where customers can see you quickly. Some people cannot afford expensive shops, so they choose roadside trading to survive,” he said.
Urban planning experts say the issue also points to design and infrastructure gaps in some markets, including poor accessibility, inadequate parking and weak integration with surrounding communities.
According to town planner Emmanuel Danjuma, traders naturally move to areas with higher foot traffic when formal market conditions are unfavourable.
“If markets are difficult to access or poorly structured, traders will always move closer to where customers are,” he said.
He also noted that inconsistent enforcement has allowed roadside trading to persist over time, with traders returning once monitoring efforts ease.
Stakeholders have called for a broader approach that includes affordable shop pricing, improved infrastructure such as roads, drainage, lighting and parking, as well as stronger engagement with traders before enforcement actions are taken.
A traders’ association member in Dutse Market, Mr Chinedu Eze, said many traders would relocate if conditions inside markets improved.
“People are willing to move into shops if the environment is right and customers can access them easily,” he said.
There are also concerns about shop hoarding in some markets, where individuals acquire multiple spaces but leave them locked for long periods, limiting access for active traders.
Analysts argue that addressing the issue will require more than enforcement. They suggest that combining infrastructure upgrades, fair rental systems, consistent market management and stakeholder engagement could gradually reduce roadside trading.
They add that Abuja’s rapid population growth has outpaced the development of commercial infrastructure, creating pressure that fuels informal trading patterns.
Ultimately, the situation reflects a continuing balance between urban planning goals and economic survival. While authorities aim for order and structured development, many traders continue to prioritise visibility and daily income, keeping roadside trading active even beside underused market complexes.