The Borno State government has taken a decisive step to restore order and cleanliness to Maiduguri, banning street hawking and a host of other illegal activities in the city. This move, announced by the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BSUPDB), is designed to address urban disorder and ensure public safety.
In a statement issued on Friday, BSUPDB General Manager Mr. Limán Mustapha emphasized the importance of the new regulations, citing the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Law of 2002 as the legal foundation. “The board has no alternative but to arrest and prosecute defaulters in a court of law,” Mustapha warned.
Key Restrictions
The ban covers a wide range of activities, including street hawking, tricycle operations, and the activities of generator mechanics in prominent areas such as the Post Office and Monday Market. These locations, often bustling with commercial and informal economic activities, have been described as hotspots for urban disarray.
Other prohibitions include using pedestrian walkways, junctions, and roundabouts for trade, as well as selling engine oil on road reservations. Illegal construction activities have also been targeted, with bans on mixing cement, dumping building materials, and constructing boreholes along roadsides.
Government’s Rationale
This sweeping enforcement campaign is part of the Zulum administration’s broader vision for urban transformation. Over the years, Maiduguri, like many Nigerian cities, has faced challenges related to unregulated street trading and construction. These issues have not only contributed to environmental degradation but also created hazards for pedestrians and motorists.
Governor Babagana Zulum has consistently advocated for policies aimed at modernizing Maiduguri and improving the quality of life for its residents. The latest measures align with his administration’s long-term plans to attract investment, improve security, and promote orderly urban growth.
Immediate Impact
The announcement has sent ripples through the Maiduguri business community. For street hawkers and informal workers, these regulations could mean significant disruption to their livelihoods. However, the BSUPDB has called on residents to see the broader benefits of the directive. “We urge everyone to comply with these new rules. They are designed to create a cleaner and safer Maiduguri,” Mustapha said.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions. While some support the government’s efforts to improve urban order, others fear the immediate economic consequences for vulnerable groups. A local trader near Monday Market commented, “I understand why the government is doing this, but they need to consider alternatives for those of us who depend on street trading.”
Enforcement and Penalties
To ensure compliance, the BSUPDB has announced that violators will face legal action, including arrests and prosecution. Enforcement teams are expected to patrol affected areas, ensuring that hawkers, tricycle operators, and mechanics adhere to the new rules.
In addition to the enforcement strategy, the government has hinted at plans to provide alternative solutions for displaced traders and informal workers. Although details remain sparse, stakeholders are urging the administration to prioritize these interventions to mitigate the social impact of the ban.
Broader Context
This development follows other recent initiatives by the Borno State government to address urban challenges. In 2024, the administration launched a sanitation campaign targeting waste management and public cleanliness in Maiduguri. Similarly, efforts to tackle traffic congestion and improve road infrastructure have been ramped up, reflecting a holistic approach to urban development.
Maiduguri, as the capital of Borno State and a regional hub, has long struggled with balancing rapid urbanization and maintaining order. The latest ban could serve as a model for other Nigerian states grappling with similar challenges. However, experts warn that its success will depend on how effectively the government addresses the root causes of these issues, such as poverty and unemployment.
Future Outlook
As Maiduguri residents adjust to the new regulations, the government’s next steps will be closely watched. Critics argue that without a comprehensive strategy to support displaced workers, the policy risks exacerbating economic hardship for many families. Proponents, however, see it as a bold and necessary move to usher in a new era of urban discipline and development.
With Governor Zulum’s administration securing significant investments, including a recent $100 million pledge, the focus now shifts to translating these policies into tangible improvements for the people of Maiduguri. For now, the city stands at a crossroads, balancing immediate enforcement with the promise of long-term benefits.
