Gov. Yusuf Inaugurates Committee to Probe Town Planning Violations in Kano
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a seven-member committee to investigate persistent violations of town planning regulations and the proliferation of unauthorized developments across the state.
The committee was inaugurated on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Faruk Ibrahim, who said growing non-compliance with physical planning laws has become a major concern for the government.
According to the SSG, the increasing disregard for established planning regulations has undermined efforts to promote orderly urban development, improve infrastructure, and enhance the environmental outlook of Kano, particularly within the metropolitan area.
He explained that reports of widespread violations and weaknesses in development control measures necessitated a comprehensive review of the operations of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) to identify the factors responsible for the persistent breaches.
The committee is chaired by the Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), Dr. Aliyu Dalhatu Sani, while the Provost of the Anti-Corruption Institute, Barrister Rahma Mallam Alhaji, serves as secretary.
Umar Faruk Ibrahim recalled that Governor Yusuf had recently constituted a committee to identify and halt illegal structures in parts of Kano metropolis, including Nasarawa, Tarauni and Fagge local government areas.
He said findings from the ongoing exercise revealed that unauthorized developments were more widespread than initially anticipated, posing serious threats to urban planning standards and undermining government investments in critical infrastructure.
The SSG noted that while the earlier committee continues its assignment, the government deemed it necessary to launch a broader investigation into the activities of KNUPDA to determine why planning regulations continue to be violated despite existing laws, policies and procedures.
As part of efforts to ensure transparency and facilitate an unhindered investigation, Governor Yusuf directed the Managing Director of KNUPDA and the Authority’s Director of Architecture to step aside pending the conclusion of the probe.
He expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a thorough assessment and practical recommendations that would strengthen compliance, improve development control mechanisms and support reforms in the state’s urban planning sector.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Dr. Aliyu Dalhatu Sani assured the government that members would carry out their assignment diligently and recommend sustainable measures to address illegal developments and strengthen adherence to planning regulations.
He also called on relevant institutions, stakeholders and members of the public to cooperate with the committee to ensure a successful investigation.
The committee is expected to submit its report to the Kano State Government within three weeks.
