How Yobe’s New Modern Markets Are Reviving Cross-border Trade

After a decade of instability caused by Boko Haram’s activities, Yobe State is regaining its position as a regional economic force through the construction of modern markets in the border towns of Machina and Yunusari. These new economic centres are revitalising cross-border trade with Niger and Chad, making the export of sesame, wheat, beans, and livestock a key part of post-insurgency recovery.

For over a century, the dust trails along the border corridors of Northern Yobe were more often associated with the movement of trans-Saharan commerce. The ancient trade routes that once pulsed with the rhythmic exchange of cattle, sesame, beans, kola nuts, gum Arabic and other grains fell quiet, replaced by the uneasy silence of a region under siege.

Today, a new rhythm is emerging. In the historic border towns of Yunusari and Machina, the noise of traders echoes through the air. The Yobe State Government’s post-insurgency rebuilding efforts have resulted in the construction of modern markets, aimed at transforming these frontier outposts into global economic hubs.

At 32, Shehu Isah Yunusari has spent much of his adult life dealing with the “grossly inadequate” conditions of the old market. For years, he and his peers were forced to set up makeshift stalls along the dusty corridors of Yunusari’s streets, a setup he describes as “not suitable for international trade.”

“Our neighbours from Niger and Chad frequent Yunusari market every Tuesday,” Shehu says, his eyes brightening as he surveys the newly constructed stalls where he hopes to soon be allocated a shop. “They bring cattle and varieties of grains; in return, they buy sesame, rice, beans, and guinea corn from us to take back to their countries.”

For Shehu, this is more than just a new building. It is about dignity and scale. Yunusari is a vital hub for sesame and beans, commodities now exported in large quantities across West Africa. The new infrastructure provides a formal platform for this multi-million-naira exchange of supply and demand.

Dogo Alhaji Ya’u, a 38-year-old resident, shares this view. He regards the market as a key part of the country’s recovery. “This will revive our economy,” he remarks. “It supports international trade at a time when we are moving past the shadows of insurgency.”

While Yunusari is located in the northeastern part of Yobe State, the approximately 200 km journey to the ancient town of Machina takes one across a sprawling landscape of Sahelian scrubland. Although separated by distance, the two towns are connected by a shared history of cross-border trade and kinship.

In Machina, the air is tinged with the smell of sesame, wheat, and cattle lowing. Here, Lawan Audu Machina, Chair of the local Chamber of Commerce, Mines, and Agriculture, views the new market as a safeguard for the future.

Audu reveals, “The construction of this market has already created employment for about 350 Machina youths.”

He believes the facility will sustain long-standing trade relations with notable states in the Niger and Chad Republics. “If allocated, business owners will manage this property to ensure the government achieves its goal of a self-sustaining economy.”

Building on this vision is Bukar Modu, a seasoned grain trader in Machina. “Before, we lost so much wheat and sesame to the elements because we lacked proper storage and administrative spaces,” Modu explains.

Now, with modern shops and parking facilities, a trader coming from Niger with a herd of cattle knows he has a safe place to conduct business and load up on beans and wheat for the return trip.

This grassroots revival is part of a large-scale statewide architectural initiative of Governor Mai Mala Buni. Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development in Yobe State, Arch. Ahmed Buba Kyari outlined the project’s scope.

“We have constructed nine markets in total, including five ultra-modern hubs in major centres such as Damaturu and Potiskum, and four modern markets in border communities like Ngalda, Buni Yadi, Yunusari, and Machina,” Kyari explained.

LEADERSHIP reports that these facilities feature modern abattoirs, administrative offices, parking lots, and other infrastructure.

Kyari stated that the strategy is focused on commercialisation and economic diversification. By creating a structured environment for trade, the state aims to increase its revenue base while improving the daily lives of its citizens.

The push for these markets is also a strategic move towards fiscal independence. Abdullahi Bego, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information, and Culture, emphasised that the state is dedicated to reducing its reliance on federal allocations.

These markets meet international standards,” Bego said. “They enable Yobe to compete effectively with neighbouring countries that export livestock and grains to global markets.

As the sun sets over the border, the “Seeds of Peace” are being sown in the form of sesame and wheat. In the stalls of Yunusari and the historic avenues of Machina, the message is clear: Yobe is no longer a theatre of conflict, but a gateway to the Sahel’s vast commercial future.