LocationsThe Northwest Prevention Facility Project implemented by UNDP with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office, is rebuilding trust and fostering peace by strengthening systems and structures that address the root causes of conflict.
Markets as Peacebuilders: Strengthening Social Cohesion Through Trade in Illela LGA, Sokoto State
December 23, 2025
Markets play a vital role as spaces where strangers become partners, where differences fade into conversations, and where trust gradually takes root.
UNDP Nigeria/Ayodeji Adeyemo
Preventing the escalation of disputes begins with rebuilding trust, restoring confidence, and creating spaces where people can connect beyond their differences. As such strengthening border security coordination and governance is part of the process, but trust is ultimately nurtured in the everyday spaces where people meet, interact, and learn to coexist. Trade,in this sense is more than the exchange of goods; it is a bridge between communities. Markets play a vital role as spaces where strangers become partners, where differences fade into conversations, and where trust gradually takes root. For generations, markets have been where communities from diverse backgrounds meet to not only exchange products but to share stories, traditions, and hopes. In these spaces, trust is rebuilt, disputes give way to cooperation, and development finds fertile ground to grow.
New Illela market
UNDP Nigeria/Ayodeji Adeyemo
The old Illela market in Sokoto State is an international hub where cross-border trade thrives, opening doors to collaboration between states and neighboring countries. Beyond the exchange of goods, it has become a meeting point where cultures blend, relationships are built, and trust is nurtured. Over the years, the market has not only boosted economic growth but also served as a bridge of understanding, showing how commerce can unite people across borders and foster peace and development.
But recently, due to the crisis of banditry, kidnapping, and rising insecurity, the once-bustling Illela market has struggled to maintain its vibrancy. Fear has slowed the movement of traders, disrupted cross-border exchanges, and weakened the trust that markets like Illela were built upon. What was once a lively space of connection and opportunity is now shadowed by uncertainty, threatening not only livelihoods but also the bonds of cooperation that have long sustained communities across the border.
Faruku Abdullahi
UNDP Nigeria/Ayodeji Adeyemo
One of the security outfits in Illela Market shared their perspective, saying:
“Before the crisis, the market was always full of life. People came without fear, and there was mutual trust among traders and buyers, however insecurity over the years has made people hesitant. Our role has become more demanding, as we now work not only to protect lives and property but also to restore the confidence that once made this market a unifying space for everyone” Faruku Abdullahi
Through the Prevention Facility Programme, UNDP and the Sokoto state government are working together to stop violent conflicts from getting worse. Communities are being helped to trust each other again and rebuilding important meeting places such as the Illela markets. Additionally, border security and local governance is improving. These efforts are bringing back markets like Illela to what they used to be, safe places for people to trade, connect, and live in peace.
“A straders, we are so happy to witness the transformation here in Illela LGA. We never expected such initiatives in the market, and to our surprise, it has greatly increased the influx of traders, farmers, and different personalities. People from different tribes now meet here to trade, build relationships, and livetogether. This has boosted the circulation of money within the community, strengthened our livelihoods, and revived the sense of unity that the market was once known for. Nothing brought into this market goes unsold, we get good value for our goods, and this leaves every person satisfied and eager to return for more business.” - Yusuf Umar
Yusuf Umar
UNDP Nigeria/Ayodeji Adeyemo
“Astraders, we are so happy to witness the transformation here in Illela LGA. We never expected such initiatives in the market, and to our surprise, it has greatly increased the influx of traders, farmers, and different personalities. People from different tribes now meet here to trade, build relationships, and livetogether. This has boosted the circulation of money within the community, strengthened our livelihoods, and revived the sense of unity that the market was once known for. Nothing brought into this market goes unsold, we get good value for our goods, and this leaves every person satisfied and eager to return for more business.” Yusuf Umar
The reopening of the market is significantly contributing to strengthening peace efforts in Illela LGA - as the market has once again become a place where differences are set aside and people come together for shared progress. By creating opportunities for trade and interaction, the community is not only rebuilding its economy but also strengthening the bonds of trust that prevents conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.
A community leader noted that the market has witnessed remarkable transformation, with improved movement of traders and increased flow of goods. Farmers, herders, and traders from different areas are now interacting more freely, exchanging commodities, ideas, and even friendships. This renewed interaction has helped ease tensions and promote peace among groups that once regarded one another with mistrust. According to the leader, the infrastructures built has played a key role in restoring trust, cooperation, and unity within the community.
Yusuf Sarkin Shanu (Chairman Illela Market)
UNDP Nigeria/Ayodeji Adeyemo
Today, traders can leave their livestock and goods in the market without fear of theft. This initiative is not just improving trade, it is fostering peaceful co-existence, bringing people from different tribes together, and helping our community grow stronger” Yusuf Sarkin Shanu (Chairman Illela Market)
This newly rehabilitated market has also created job opportunities for local community members boosting their resilience to conflicts. As an example, the veterinary clinic was built to provide services for livestock traders and farmers. The clinic now employs local veterinarians and support staff, while ensuring healthier animals and safer trade. Beyond improving livelihoods, it has strengthened confidence among traders, attracted more buyers, and contributed to the overall economic growth of Sokoto State.
The Northwest Prevention Facility Project implemented by UNDP with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office, is rebuilding trust and fostering peace by strengthening systems and structures that address the root causes of conflict. Through improved governance, community resilience, and inclusive platforms for dialogue, the initiative is reducing tensions, enhancing border security, and creating opportunities for sustainable development across affected communities.
“As a community, we say a big thank you to the German Government and the United Nations Development Programme for this creative initiative. It has worked like magic in restoring peace and trust in this part of Sokoto. I believe this will go a long way in ensuring lasting peace in Sokoto State and across the Northwest region.” Yusuf Sarkin Shani (Chairman Illela Market)
The story of Illela shows that trade, when supported by strong systems and inclusive governance, is not just about economic growth, it is about building peace, unity, and resilience across the Northwest.
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