Shehu of Borno
The Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-kanemi, has declared support for the government commitment to restore urban order and prevent future disasters through effective planning and enforcement.
The Royal Father made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BSUPDB) who paid him a courtesy visit.
A statement from the BSUPDB, said the Shehu noted that although flooding is a natural occurrence, its impact can be significantly reduced through coordinated urban planning and strict enforcement of development control regulations.
He further emphasized the urgent need for the immediate dredging of rivers, particularly the Ngaddabul, to mitigate the risks of future flooding and enhance water flow within the city.
While pledging the full support of the traditional institution to ensure community compliance, the royal father also appealed to the government to consider the humane resettlement of persons affected by demolition exercises, in order to ease their suffering and maintain social harmony.
Earlier, the General Manager of the Board, Tpl. Liman Gana Mustapha, who led the team accompanied by the Board Chairman, Ibrahim Magaji Wala, said the visit was aimed at briefing the Shehu on key urban development initiatives and to seek his royal blessings and support.
Tpl. Gana explained that the board, which is a government agency mandated to regulate physical development, control illegal structures, and promote orderly growth, is set to commence enforcement operations across the metropolis.
He said the Board would begin with the removal of illegal structures built under high-tension power lines and on road reservations, adding that the display and sale of firewood, charcoal, building materials, and other goods along roads such as Bama–Dikwa, Mohammed Indimi, Gambole, and Kano–Maiduguri highways violate urban planning laws.
Tpl Gana disclosed that a task force has already been mobilized to remove such structures, including illegal containers and shanties that pose environmental and safety risks.
“The GM further revealed that the board will also remove unauthorized billboards, posters, and advertisement materials pasted on streetlights and electric poles, as they violate development laws and clutter the urban landscape.
“On the recent flooding incident, the General Manager attributed the severity of the disaster to a combination of climate change, the collapse of the Alau Dam, and the presence of illegal structures along riverbanks which blocked the natural flow of water.
“He stressed that the state government had no option but to demolish all such encroachments to prevent future tragedies.
“Regarding the Airport Buffer Zones, Tpl. Liman Gana disclosed that 200 meters of the 500-meter buffer reserved by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority have already been reclaimed. He added that plans are underway to recover the remaining 300 meters to enhance safety around the Maiduguri International Airport.
“While emphasizing the critical role of traditional institutions in ensuring public compliance, the General Manager solicited the continued support of the Shehu and the traditional council, stating that the exercise is in the best interest of public safety, environmental protection, and sustainable urban development,” the statement added
