The Bauchi State government has begun removing illegal structures, billboards, and waste disposal sites in the Bauchi metropolis ahead of the grand finale of its economic summit.

The government embarked on a coordinated clearance exercise to sanitise and beautify the metropolis through the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), Bauchi State Urban Development Board (BSUDB), Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency (BAROTA), and Bauchi State Infrastructure Development and Management Agency (BSIDMA).

Mahmood Bose, BASEPA’s director-general, said at a news conference on Tuesday in Bauchi that the agencies would sustain the exercise beyond the summit.

He urged residents, politicians, and businesses to comply with existing regulations.

Mr Bose said the exercise aimed to promote a clean and healthy environment, vital for attracting investors and fostering sustainable economic growth.

Ibrahim Mohammed, general manager, BSUDB, warned property owners against erecting structures without proper approval.

He said unplanned developments distort the state’s urban master plan and hinder infrastructural development.

The director-general of BSIDMA, Abdulrahman Maiauduga, said the exercise targeted the removal of illegal posters and billboards, contributing to environmental pollution and defacing public infrastructure.

Zubairu Sani, director of operations, BAROTA, said the agency would focus on clearing road obstructions to ease traffic flow during the summit.

The Bauchi State Economic and Investment Summit, scheduled for October 2025, will showcase the state’s economic potential and investment opportunities across many sectors.

(NAN)