The Executive Secretary, Borno Geographic Information Services (BOGIS), Engr Adam Bukar Bababe, has inaugurated a 13-member committee tasked to review and darmacate developments along riverbanks, buffer zones, and other waterways in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
According to the special assistant on media BOGIS, the inauguration took place at the BOGIS Board Room on Tuesday, were Engr. Adam Bababe emphasized the urgent need to halt unauthorised developments within these high-risk zones, warning against further development in such areas.
He revealed that almost all the properties erected along waterways lack government titles, making them illegal under all regulations.
The Executive Secretary further disclosed that over 1,300 structures have been marked as illegal since 2020, and stressed that in light of the September 10th flood disaster, that caused damages and loss of lives, the government will prioritize stricter enforcement to curb unauthorized developments along waterways.
Bababe highlighted that these measures are essential to safeguard communities and prevent future disasters, as the state intensifies efforts to promote safe, regulated land use practices in vulnerable areas.
The committee’s objectives include reviewing current buffer zones along the riverbanks of River Yedzaram and Ngaddabul, updating them based on reality, identifying developments within the zones, producing detailed plans for executive approval, and recommending measures to protect and plan along the rivers.
The committee which was given a two-week mandate to carry out their assignment and submit recommendations for executive approval has Tlp Liman Gana Mustapha as Chairman, Amsami Alhaji Bukar as Co. Chairman, and Modu Usman choromi as Secretary.
In his remarks, the Committee Chairman Liman Gana Mustapha expressed appreciation to the State Governor for entrusting them with this critical responsibility and assured that the committee members are committed to executing their duties diligently and impartially, prioritizing the well-being of the state and its residents.
