City's Nigerian-food shortage set to ease

The Boston Licensing Board tomorrow considers whether to approve a proposed Nigerian restaurant in Dudley Square. And a second Nigerian restaurant, in Mattapan, could come before the board within a month for permission to open.

Cecelia Lizotte is seeking an all-alcohol restaurant for her proposed Suya Joint at 185 Dudley St. Lizotte had operated the restaurant in Roslindale until closing it in January. Her lawyer told the board the Roslindale space was just too small. The new Dudley location will have 80 seats.

Lizotte, who moved here from Nigeria, in 1999, is seeking one of the new liquor licenses intended for Boston's outer neighborhoods.

The mayor's office and City Councilor Tito Jackson supported the license request. One nearby resident, however, opposed any liquor licenses on the street, saying it's already too congested with traffic.

Also in the works is Safari African Restaurant, 1336 Blue Hill Ave. in Mattapan. Owner Rokhaya Sillahndiaye is seeking only a food-serving license. At the request of the mayor's office, the board last week put off a hearing for a month to let her meet with neighboring residents.