By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Small business owners and operators in Bauchi state have been assured by the State Government that there is no plans whatsoever to victimize and force them out of operation.
The Government made the clarification on Wednesday during a Ministerial briefing held at the Executive Council Chambers that what it is doing presently is clearing illegal structures erected indiscriminately thereby blocking pathway along the road.
Led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr Ibrahim Kashim Mohammed, the Government assured that a befitting place has been cleared and set aside for them to relocate to and continue their businesses.
The Commissioner of Lands and Surrey, OF Amina Mohammed Katagum while addressing News Men alongside Three Others said that Government has since provided a permanent place for all owners of temporary structures in line with Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed’s efforts and directives as contained in the #MyBauchiproject agenda.
She assured that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure that all those affected by the exercise got befitting business environment for the transaction of their businesses as sources of income.
Amina Katagum also said that plots of land have been acquired along Atiku Abubakar Road and Sam Nujoma Road where lockup shops will be provides to accommodate other businesses.
Also speaking, Commissioner of Housing and Environment, Rt Hon Danlami Ahmed Kawule said that the relocation was never meant to witchunt anyone but to ensure Sanity in the masterplan of Bauchi metropolis and restore the green area to further beautify the town.
Danlami Kawule then appealed to the owners of such structures that were dismantled by the Government not to despair as the Government is making adequate arrangements through the provision of modern corner shops to carry on with their businesses.
The Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Mahmoud Baba Maaji Abubakar on his part said that people of the state would in the future appreciate the initiative of the Government as it will sanitize various businesses, boost economic and commercial activities which will in turn grow the economy of the state.
Mahmoud Baba Ma’aji said that the administration, through his ministry has created an enabling environment with the massive infrastructural development that is making the State attractive for foreign investors that would soon unveil their business enterprise in the State.
He appealed to the people to reason with the Government and continue to pray for its success.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Internal Security, Abdulhamid Bununu said that the gesture will assist government in addressing various security challenges in the metropolis.
He then called on the various stakeholders to join hands with government to block all loopholes of insecurity in the state in order to have a long lasting peace.
Abubakar Bununu further disclosed that plans have reached advanced stage where vigilantes will be contracted to support the police in checkmating criminal activities in the State.
