Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, has given a matching order to the State Urban Development Board (NSUDB) and other relevant agencies to clear all structures on waterways to mitigate the effects of flooding in Minna and its environs.
The Deputy Governor gave the order while addressing members of the press shortly after inspecting some areas affected by the heavy downpour that occurred last night.
He said the era of giving verbal directives without action was over, calling on those who have structures on waterways to remove them with immediate effect as no warning notice will be given to anyone anymore.
The deputy governor, who is equally the Chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said a technical team comprising members of NSEMA, the Niger State Urban Development Board (NSUDB), and the Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA), with the backing of security agencies, will go round to take stock of the structures on waterways, which he said must give way for the free flow of water.
He disclosed that the state government, through its relevant agencies, will ensure that all debris in waterways is cleared to allow for the free flow of water, calling on residents to desist from the act of dumping refuse on waterways, as according to him, anyone caught in the act will be made to face the law.
Comrade Yakubu Garba observed that the government has the primary responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of its citizens, and the present administration, under the leadership of Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago, was determined to carry out the responsibility.
While commiserating with those affected by the heavy downpour, the deputy governor warned people against acquiring land on waterways and appreciated God for not recording any casualties as a result of the flood.
The Acting General Manager of the Urban Development Board, Architect Mohammed Bako Isma'il, said they will swing into action immediately, adding that all the identified structures were illegal structures erected without a building permit from the board.
He disclosed that the structures had since been marked by the board, some of them since 2021 but without action, but that with the present executive order given to the board, they have no time to waste in executing the order.
On the issue of compensation, the acting general manager said the identified structures have no permit and, as such, are not qualified for any compensation, urging the public to always obtain a permit before erecting any structure.
Some of the areas visited include New Market, Tungan Maje, Chanchaga, Brighter Area, and Gbeganu within Minna and environs.