Firm unveils automated gate to block revenue leakages at Abuja market
The Abuja Investment Company Limited has launched an upgraded automated gate access control system at the Garki International Market, in a decisive move to curb revenue leakages, tighten security and modernise operations within one of the Federal Capital Territory’s busiest commercial hubs.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations and Communications, Fatima Nadada, on Thursday, while commissioning the project in Abuja on Wednesday, AICL’s Group Managing Director, Maureen Tamuno, described the initiative as more than infrastructure, calling it a bold shift toward efficiency, transparency and accountability in market administration.
According to her, the project aligns with the initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the reform drive of the FCT Administration under the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing it as part of a broader push to digitise public infrastructure and improve ease of doing business in the capital.
As the investment and business arm of the FCT Administration, she reiterated that AICL’s mandate is “To create sustainable value, enhance commercial assets and position Abuja as a competitive investment destination.”
“The new system replaces manual cash collection with a secure, technology-driven platform powered by automatic number plate recognition cameras, barrier gates, handheld POS devices and a centralised real-time monitoring dashboard.
“Deployed in partnership with Global Software and Digital Solutions Limited (GSDS), the solution integrates vehicle entry automation, ticketing, digital payment processing and centralised reporting across all entry and exit points”, the statement partly read.
According to Tamuno, the platform digitally records every vehicle entry, duration of stay and payment, effectively eliminating revenue leakages while strengthening transparency and accountability.
She added that beyond revenue protection, the system is designed to enhance security through controlled access, improve traffic management and reduce congestion within the market.
“This project is for you. It is designed to protect your businesses, safeguard your customers and enhance the overall commercial experience.
“We’re trying to ensure that we block leakages, we make sure that things are done properly, and that is what this whole system is all about.
“It will also ensure every vehicle entry, duration, and payment is digitally recorded, eliminating, like I said, leakages and improving accountability.
“This will enhance security through controlled access and monitoring, improve traffic management, and of course, reduce congestion,” she added
In his remarks, the Chief Investment Officer of AICL, Abiodun Akabi, noted that “The project is the first of its kind within the FCT’s market system and signals a renewed focus on technology-driven operations.”
The Vice-President, Sales and Operations, Global Software and Digital Solutions Limited, Pushkar Nanda, added that “The system leverages innovative number plate recognition and QR code-based entry and exit processes to guarantee full accountability and an improved user experience.”
Representatives of the Market Traders Association welcomed the development, describing it as “a milestone that reinforces the market’s status as one of Abuja’s foremost international trading centres.”
The automated gate system is expected to serve as a template for other markets across the FCT as authorities intensify efforts to modernise infrastructure, boost internally generated revenue and strengthen governance through digital transformation.
