Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) has issued a seven-working-day ultimatum to owners of illegal roadside structures across Plateau State, ordering the removal of all unauthorised kiosks, canopies, makeshift stalls, car wash facilities, car sales stands, and other temporary shelters erected along highways, road setbacks, roundabouts, and government-reserved areas. The directive, contained in a statement signed by the Board's General Manager, Arch. Hart Bankat, on Friday, July 31, 2026, warns that failure to comply will result in sanctions under existing regulations, with enforcement teams set to move in immediately after the deadline expires.
According to the statement, the affected structures include unapproved kiosks, canopies, umbrellas, makeshift stalls, car wash facilities, car sales stands, temporary shelters, and any other illegal structures that have encroached on public spaces across the state. The Board noted that previous notices issued over seven months ago were ignored, and that illegal occupation and construction have continued unabated, particularly at the Gyartagere Stone Crushing Site, where occupants have been given a final 48-hour deadline to vacate the area. "Owners of unapproved kiosks, canopies, umbrellas, makeshift stalls, car wash facilities, car sales stands, temporary shelters and other illegal structures erected along highways, road setbacks, roundabouts and government-reserved areas are required to remove them within seven working days," the statement read.
The JMDB warned that the government would not be responsible for any property damaged or lost during the enforcement exercise and stressed that no compensation would be paid to affected persons. The Board directed all occupants to immediately stop any further construction and vacate the premises within 48 hours of receiving the final notice, adding that people with legitimate claims regarding the Gyartagere Stone Crushing Site are advised to visit the Board's office without delay for clarification, as this notice supersedes all previous directives on the site.
The enforcement exercise is part of a broader urban renewal effort aimed at clearing public spaces that have been overtaken by illegal structures, which have defaced the state capital and other urban centres across Plateau State. The JMDB has also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, landlords, business owners, and residents to help disseminate the information and encourage those affected to comply with the directive. The Board's action follows Executive Order No. 003 of 2024, signed by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to address challenges stemming from unregulated urban development and disorganised traffic management within the state. The order, which became imperative considering the indiscriminate manner in which buildings were being erected and traffic control had degenerated within the Greater Jos Master Plan, places the cost of demolishing illegal structures on their owners and provides for the forfeiture of the space.
The JMDB, which is the enforcement agency responsible for implementing the new order, has previously carried out demolitions of illegal structures built along waterways to prevent flooding and has sealed warehouses operating without government approval. The Board has warned that any attempt to break a seal before deliberation or a comment from the board will result in a fine of N10 million. The latest directive on roadside structures is the most comprehensive yet, targeting a wide range of illegal commercial activities that have turned major highways and roundabouts into chaotic hubs of informal trade.
The move has drawn mixed reactions from residents and business owners. While some have welcomed the government's efforts to restore order and improve the aesthetics of the city, others have expressed concern over the short notice and the potential loss of livelihoods. The JMDB, however, has maintained that the enforcement exercise is necessary to reclaim public spaces that have been illegally occupied and to ensure compliance with the state's urban development laws. The Board has stressed that the directive is not aimed at destroying livelihoods but at ensuring that commercial activities are conducted in designated areas and in accordance with the law.
The seven-day ultimatum gives affected owners a brief window to remove their structures voluntarily before the enforcement teams begin their work. The Board has warned that anyone who fails to comply with the directive would face sanctions under existing regulations, which could include fines, prosecution, and the demolition of the structures at the owner's expense. The government has also made it clear that no compensation will be paid to those whose properties are demolished during the exercise, as the structures were erected illegally and in defiance of previous notices.
The enforcement exercise is expected to begin immediately after the seven-working-day deadline expires, with the JMDB working in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a smooth and orderly process. The Board has urged all affected persons to take the directive seriously and to remove their structures within the stipulated period to avoid the consequences of non-compliance. It has also encouraged those with legitimate claims regarding specific sites to visit the Board's office for clarification and to regularise their status where possible.
The JMDB's latest directive reflects the Plateau State Government's determination to enforce urban planning laws and restore order to the state's rapidly growing cities. As the enforcement exercise gets underway, the government is expected to face resistance from some quarters, but the Board has made it clear that there is no going back on the urban renewal agenda. The success of the exercise will depend on the cooperation of the affected persons and the effective coordination of the enforcement teams. For now, the countdown has begun, and the owners of illegal roadside structures across Plateau State have seven working days to comply or face the consequences.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments