A fire has destroyed shops and goods at the Jabi Building Materials Market in Abuja, leaving traders facing losses estimated at millions of naira.

The blaze reportedly started at about 03:00 local time on Sunday at the market, which is located opposite Chida Hotel in the Jabi district of the Federal Capital Territory.

An eyewitness told the Nigerian Television Authority that traders and residents rushed to the market after receiving an emergency call about the fire.

He said his brother-in-law owned two shops and a storage facility at the affected plaza. One shop was saved, while the second shop and the storage facility were destroyed.

According to the witness, roofing materials valued at more than ₦20 million were lost. Some of the goods had reportedly been restocked shortly before the fire broke out.

No deaths were reported, although the full extent of the damage to other businesses at the market had not been determined at the time of publication.

The cause of the fire also remains unknown, and emergency authorities have yet to release an official assessment of the incident.

The latest outbreak is expected to renew concerns about fire-prevention measures, emergency access and insurance protection in Nigeria’s major commercial markets.

Investigations are expected to establish how the fire started and determine the total value of the property destroyed.

The post BREAKING: Fire destroys shops at Jabi building materials market in Abuja appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Merchants at the Zone 3 Neighbourhood Centre in the Federal Capital Territory have voiced deep frustration over what they describe as worsening business conditions, marked by dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate amenities, and unaffordable rents.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the traders said the commercial hub has long suffered neglect, leaving them grappling with cramped workspaces, sanitation issues, and severe parking shortages.

A Furniture dealer explained that the limited size of stalls at the temporary site has compounded operational challenges.
“Most of us work in the furniture trade, but the spaces are far too small. It’s crippling our efficiency,” he said, urging authorities to construct modern, well-equipped shops tailored to traders’ needs.

Another trader, called for the removal of derelict vehicles abandoned near the premises.
“They are a safety hazard and block potential parking areas. Customers struggle to access our shops,” he noted.

The surging cost of rent is the most pressing problem. She disclosed that annual shop fees now range between ₦1.5 million and ₦2 million.
“Many of us are barely staying afloat. The government should explore rent regulation to make these spaces affordable,” she appealed.

Meanwhile, others highlighted the deteriorating state of sanitation facilities, warning of health risks.
“The toilets are in an embarrassing and unhygienic state. Clean, functional facilities are essential if we want a safe business environment,” she said.

The traders are collectively calling on the FCT administration to address infrastructure decay, improve amenities, and create an enabling environment for commerce to thrive.

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