Women selling traditional fermented milk (nono) at the popular commercial spot known as Bulumkuttu ‘Yan Nono along the Kano-Jos Road
For more than two decades, the popular commercial spot known as Bulumkuttu ‘Yan Nono along the Kano-Jos Road has served as a bustling center for the sale of traditional fermented milk (nono) a northern Nigerian delicacy attracting hundreds of residents including youths, tricycle riders, drivers, and travelers.
Over time, the area which is located at the outskirt of the city has now developed into an important economic hub, particularly for women and young girls selling fura (millet dough balls), and no who rely on the trade to support their families.
In support their livelihoods and organize the growing business activity, the former Governor, Senator Kashim Shettima, now Vice President of Nigeria, constructed 72 shops and allocated them to the fermented milk sellers and vegetable traders operating within the area in January 2016. It was a major facelift that improved orderliness and encouraged business expansion.
However, as Maiduguri’s population continued to grow, the number of traders also increased pushing business activities far beyond the original market space.
Today, many traders operate around the shoulders of one of the busiest roads and a major entry point into the city, exposing both traders, customers, and commuters to avoidable risks.
In addition, residents and traders have reported to government to rise up on unauthorized activities within the cluster, threatening public peace, sanitation, and the overall safety of the area and people.
In response to these concerns, the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, through the Borno Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), has initiated formal engagements with the traders ahead of a well-planned relocation idea to a safer and more spacious business environment.
During a meeting with the leadership of the Bulumkuttu ‘Yan Nono Market Association held on Tuesday this week, the Executive Secretary of BOGIS, Engr. Adam Bukar Bababe, emphasized that the relocation is aimed at protecting both traders and buyers while enhancing urban orderliness which he noted is a core element of Governor Zulum’s urban renewal initiative.
“Government is not displacing anyone, but rather providing a safer and more secured market where businesses can grow without fear of disruption.
“The relocation plan is in your best interest. Government will build new stalls for you in a safer and more structured place where your businesses can continue to thrive,” Bababe said.
He directed the executive members of the association to compile a list of all their members including those without shops and submit it to his office for further action.
Bababe also added that vegetable sellers with genuine allocation letters will be considered in the new site arrangement.
The Secretary of the Association, Kabiru Abubakar, acknowledged the growing challenges and expressed the association’s readiness to cooperate with the state government, noting that , any initiative that improves the safety of members and their customers is a welcome development.
Similarly, the Chairman, Husaini Ali, who has been in the business for over twenty years, described the move as necessary, given the rapid increase in vendors.
“We have increased in number to the point that the designated space can no longer contain us. We are concerned about safety because this is a highway. If government relocates us to a secure and organized place, we will accept it,” Hussaini said.
Another trader, Ali Abubakar, alongside some Fulani women interviewed, expressed optimism that the new location will reduce fears and improve business operations.
They appealed to the state government to provide additional shops to accommodate members currently operating under umbrellas.
