History
Ekeoha Shopping Centre, also known as Shopping Centre Market, has its origins rooted in a significant event in Aba's commercial history. On the night of May 29, 1976, a devastating fire engulfed the original Ekeoha Market, a bustling hub that had evolved from a local Ngwa community market into a major commercial complex over the decades. The fire, exacerbated by the market's dense layout and flammable goods, led to the destruction of the market, resulting in substantial economic losses for thousands of traders and businesspeople. [1]
In response to this calamity, the Ekeoha Shopping Centre was established as a modern replacement to prevent such disasters in the future. The new market was strategically designed with improved infrastructure to accommodate traders and revitalize the city's commercial activities. [2] Over the years, it became renowned for its wide selection of fabrics, fashion accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, and electronics, attracting traders and shoppers from across Nigeria and West Africa.
The market was established by the government of the then Eastern Region, as part of urban planning efforts to decongest central Aba and promote structured commerce. Over the years, Ekeoha Shopping Centre evolved into a centre for high-end and bulk retail shopping. Its strategic location along Market Road, proximity to Ahia Ohuru (New Market), and accessibility to transport networks contributed to its growth and popularity.
Originally managed by the Aba South Local Government Authority, the market has seen phases of private involvement and public-sector oversight. By the early 2000s, the market had become a key destination for traders dealing in imported and locally made goods, especially in the fashion and cosmetics industries.
In August 2024, recognizing the need to modernise the aging infrastructure, the Abia State Government, under Governor Alex Otti, initiated a comprehensive remodeling project for the Ekeoha Shopping Centre. [3] The project aimed to upgrade the market to international standards, incorporating features such as fiber-optic internet connectivity, reliable electricity supply, a mini-clinic, fire-fighting equipment, and CCTV surveillance. [4] The remodeling was planned in phases to minimize disruption to traders, with provisions made for temporary relocation during the construction period. [5]
Despite some resistance from traders concerned about the potential loss of their shops, the government assured that no shop owner would lose their shop during the remodeling process. [6] [7] The initiative was part of a broader effort to revitalize Aba's commercial landscape and enhance its status as a major economic hub in southeastern Nigeria. [5]
Structure and layout
Ekeoha Shopping Centre is a purpose-built urban market comprising hundreds of lock-up shops, open stalls, and warehouses spread across several blocks. Strategically located in the heart of Aba South Local Government Area, the market lies along Market Road, near other popular commercial hubs like Ahia Ohuru (New Market), School Road Market and Cemetry Market.
The market is organized into multiple sections based on the type of goods sold. These include:
- Textile and Fabric Section: One of the largest areas in the market, known for retail and wholesale of lace, Ankara, cashmere, damask, and brocade materials.
- Jewelry and Cosmetics Section: A cluster of shops offering gold-plated accessories, beauty products, wigs, and perfumes sourced locally and internationally.
- Electronics and Accessories: Traders in this section of the market deal in home appliances, mobile phones, and repair services in this section.
- Bags, Footwear, and Fashion Accessories: Vendors in this area specialise in bags, belts, wallets, shoes (many locally made in Aba), and imported fashion items.
- Book and Stationery Area: This part of the market serves students, teachers, and businesses with educational materials and office supplies.
The market is designed with interconnected walkways, drainage channels, and designated loading/unloading zones for logistics. Upper floors in some blocks are used for warehousing or wholesale distribution, while the ground floors are primarily for retail.
Many parts of the shopping centre were constructed with reinforced concrete, corrugated iron roofing, and tiled floors to minimize fire risk, a deliberate improvement inspired by the 1976 Ekeoha Market fire disaster. The market also has public restrooms, though maintenance varies.
Fire incidents and structural concerns
Fire Incidents
Over the years, Ekeoha Shopping Centre has witnessed multiple fire outbreaks, raising concerns about safety infrastructure, emergency access, and market planning.
One of the most devastating incidents occurred on August 29, 2018, when a fire engulfed shops in Zones 3 and 6, destroying textile goods worth millions of naira. The fire reportedly began around 4:00 a.m. and was finally contained by 7:30 a.m. through the efforts of the Abia State Fire Service. Eyewitnesses and market sources alleged that the fire was a deliberate act of arson, with the perpetrator reportedly targeting a specific shop but mistakenly setting another nearby store ablaze. The police arrested six security guards on duty for questioning while investigations continued. [8]
Fire service personnel who responded to the emergency lamented the blocked fire routes and unauthorized constructions, which significantly hindered access to the burning shops. The caretaker chairman of the market at the time, Mr. Friday Dimiri, confirmed the fire incident and commended the swift intervention of firefighters and law enforcement. [8]
This was not an isolated incident. Earlier fires, such as one recorded in 2016, similarly resulted in massive loss of merchandise and brought to light the inadequate fire safety infrastructure and poor enforcement of building codes within the market (see this video by a Facebook user). In each case, market leaders and government officials promised investigations and reforms, yet structural safety and emergency access remain ongoing concerns.
Structural concerns
Prior to 2023, concerns about the structural integrity of some buildings in the market have been raised over the years. A petition was read on the floor of the Abia State House of Assembly on Tuesday August 11, 2020, written by the traders of Ekeoha Shopping Centre titled: "INDISCRIMINATE ERECTION OF STALLS IN EKEOHA SHOPPING CENTRE, ABA — A GENOCIDE WAITING TO HAPPEN" against the then Commissioner for Trade and Investment of the state, Mr. Cosmos Ndukwe. [9]
Less than a month after the petition was submitted, on October 1, 2020, a warehouse which was said to be poorly constructed collapsed within the market. The incident led to an outcry from traders within the market to the then state governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu on what they believed to be "dangerous illegal structures around the market." [10]
Similarly, on July 19, 2023, a section of shops in Zone 13 of the shopping centre collapsed during business hours, destroying goods worth millions of naira. Fortunately, no lives were lost, as an early alarm raised by traders allowed most occupants to evacuate. The incident prompted accusations from some traders, who alleged that substandard construction and unauthorized structural additions contributed to the collapse. [11]
In response, Governor Alex Otti dispatched a government delegation for an on-the-spot assessment and ordered the evacuation and sealing off of the affected area. He further mandated structural integrity tests across other parts of the market. [11] The state government attributed the collapse to unauthorized structural modifications allegedly carried out during past administrations, which had earlier sparked petitions to the Abia State House of Assembly.
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