The Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BSUPDB) has announced a sweeping ban on street hawking and various unauthorized activities in Maiduguri, the state capital. This action, based on the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Law of 2002, aims to promote a clean, safe, and organized urban environment.
In a statement issued on Friday, BSUPDB General Manager Limán Mustapha outlined the activities prohibited under the new directive. These include street hawking, operations of tricycle riders, and the activities of generator mechanics around the Post Office and Monday Market areas. Additionally, selling engine oil on road reservations, dumping sand or building materials on roads, and mixing cement on public streets are now forbidden. Construction of boreholes along roadsides, and any activities obstructing pedestrian walkways, junctions, and roundabouts are also banned.
The board has instructed individuals and businesses engaging in these activities to vacate the affected areas immediately. Mustapha warned that violators would face arrest and prosecution, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enforcing the law.
“The board has no alternative but to arrest and prosecute defaulters in a court of law,” Mustapha stated, stressing that compliance is crucial to maintaining order and safety in Maiduguri and other parts of the state.
The announcement has stirred reactions among residents and business operators, with many expressing concerns about its immediate impact on their livelihoods. However, the board maintains that the measures are necessary for urban development and environmental management.
