Ariaria International Market
 A section of the market | |
| Location | Aba, Abia State, Nigeria |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 5°7′5″N 7°19′57″W / 5.11806°N 7.33250°W |
| Opening date | 1976 |
| Management | Abia State Government |
| Days normally open | Monday - Saturday |
The Ariaria International Market is an open-air market located in Aba, a city in Abia State Southeast Nigeria.[1] The market is one of the largest markets in West Africa and nicknamed "China of Africa" because of its versatility in the making of wears and leather works.[2]
Historical and structural background
Ariaria International Market was established in 1976 following a fire outbreak that destroyed the old Ekeoha Market in Aba. The market was originally sited in a swampy area.[3] The market is known for its shoe making and leather works thus making it one of the largest leather shoe-making markets in West Africa with an estimated two million traders.[4] The market cuts across three local government areas, the Aba North, Aba South and Osisioma.[5][6]
References
- ^ Okuta, Peter (15 March 2012). "At last a breath of fresh air at Ariaria International Market". Vanguard. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
- ^ Iremeka, Chijioke (4 May 2014). "Bad roads: Ariaria shoe manufacturers lament poor sales". New Telegraph. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
- ^ Okuta, Peter (15 March 2012). "At last a breath of fresh air at Ariaria International Market". Vanguard. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
- ^ "thenationonlineng.net/ariaria-market-for-upgrade/". The Nation. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
- ^ "Abia government denies plans to relocate Ariaria market". Premium Times. 12 February 2014. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
- ^ Nwogu, Mathias (21 November 2014). "Ariaria Market: Generating Revenue But No Infrastructure". Leadership. Retrieved 26 July 2015.