Residents urge Borno works commissioner to sustain market reforms

By Ahmed Ahmed

Residents of Maiduguri have urged the Borno Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Adam Bukar Bababe, to remain focused on ongoing reforms in the allocation of shops at the resettled Bulumkatu ‘Yan Nono Market.

The residents made the call during an interactive session with the commissioner on Al-Ansar Radio and Television’s Hard Talk programme, monitored by our correspondent.

Some of the callers expressed satisfaction on the reform by the Borno State government throught the commissioner of Works.

Although the callers to the programme expressed mixed views, with some commending the commissioner while others sought greater public sensitisation before enforcement of government regulations.

Bababe said the state government constructed shops along the Maiduguri highway and allocated them to petty traders as part of efforts to improve the environment and promote economic activities.

He said the beneficiaries included women who sold yoghurt along the highway and some men dealing in consumables.

The commissioner alleged that some beneficiaries of previously allocated shops had sold their spaces, including some market association leaders.

He cited instances where some cubicles were allegedly sold for N450,000 and N950,000, saying the development informed his decision to personally supervise the verification and allocation process at the Bulumkatu market.

Bababe said he recently visited the market and interacted with occupants of the 114 cubicles to verify ownership against available records.

He said the government allocated one cubicle to each verified original occupant, irrespective of whether some individuals had acquired multiple spaces.

The commissioner also disclosed that his ministry provided N50,000 to each occupant to cushion the impact of relocation and facilitate their movement to the resettled market.

He said some beneficiaries later took their complaints to social media, apparently believing that the money constituted compensation.

Bababe urged anyone with evidence that a shop had been allocated to someone who was not originally associated with the market to seek legal redress.

He said the verification also accommodated some traders operating from containers who were previously not recognised by the government.

On property revocation and demolition, Bababe said the ministry acted in accordance with the Land Use Act and its domestication in Borno.

He said affected properties included a demolished Conoil filling station and a shopping complex near Borno Radio and Television.

According to him, the affected spaces were converted into parking facilities and shops for displaced businesses.

Bababe said 39 of 43 shops were allocated to verified occupants, while spaces were also provided for BOTMA, Borno Express and transport unions.