Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Tuesday, inaugurated an 11-member committee tasked with defining boundaries and controlling construction activities along the riverbanks in Maiduguri and its surrounding areas.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to mitigate the severe flooding that recently impacted the region.
Zulum explained that the flooding was exacerbated by unauthorized developments on river paths, specifically along Rivers Yedzaram and Ngaddabul.
He highlighted that structures built or rebuilt along these waterways, whether erected before or after the flooding, are marked for demolition to prevent future disasters.
Zulum warned that individuals who knowingly built on these sensitive areas would not receive compensation as outlined in the Land Act.
Representing the governor, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Geographic Information Service, Engr. Adam Bababe, reiterated the risks associated with building on riverbanks, stating that it worsens the flooding situation.
“Building on riverbanks worsens flooding,” Bababe quoted Zulum, adding a clear directive for residents to avoid rebuilding on these vulnerable waterways.
The committee’s responsibilities include reviewing and adjusting the buffer zones along riverbanks based on current environmental conditions, mapping existing structures within these zones, creating detailed plans for executive review, and recommending protective measures.
The team will assess the reality on the ground, aiming to set new standards to safeguard Maiduguri against future floods.
Chaired by Survey General member Modu Usman Chiroma, the committee members include Liman Gana Mustapha, Amshi Alhaji Bukar, Mohammed Garba Yimir, Babagana Bunu, Mustapha Dalarambe, Abdulrahman Mohammed, Hamma Julde, Halima Abatcha, Mohammed Almaki, and ASP Abba Bukar.
The committee has a strict two-week timeline to complete and submit their report to the governor.
In his closing remarks, Zulum called on residents of Maiduguri to collaborate fully with the committee, emphasizing that community support is essential for effectively securing the city against future flood threats.
