Kano Govt Sets Up Probe Panel on Widespread Town Planning Violations

The Kano State Government has inaugurated a seven-member committee to investigate persistent violations of town planning regulations and the growing spread of illegal developments across the state.

The committee was inaugurated on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ibrahim described the widespread disregard for physical planning and development control laws as a major challenge undermining efforts to achieve orderly urban development, improve infrastructure, and enhance the aesthetic outlook of Kano, particularly within the metropolitan area.

According to him, reports indicating increasing non-compliance with development control regulations prompted the government to establish the committee to review the operations of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) and identify factors responsible for the recurring violations.

The committee is chaired by the Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), Dr. Aliyu Dalhatu Sani, while Barrister Rahma Mallam Alhaji, Provost of the Anti-Corruption Institute, will serve as secretary. Other members were selected from relevant professional fields to ensure a thorough and objective investigation.

The SSG recalled that Governor Yusuf had recently approved another committee tasked with identifying and halting illegal structures in parts of the Kano metropolis, including Nasarawa, Tarauni and Fagge Local Government Areas.

He noted that findings from the exercise revealed that unauthorized developments were far more widespread than initially anticipated, posing significant threats to urban planning standards and government investments in infrastructure.

To ensure transparency and an unbiased investigation, Ibrahim announced that the Managing Director of KNUPDA and the Authority’s Director of Architecture had been directed to step aside pending the outcome of the probe.

He expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a comprehensive assessment and practical recommendations aimed at strengthening compliance with planning regulations and improving development control mechanisms across the state.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Dr. Sani acknowledged that persistent violations had continued to hamper efforts to promote orderly urbanisation and sustainable development in Kano.

He assured the state government that the committee would carry out its assignment diligently and provide actionable recommendations to address illegal developments and strengthen regulatory compliance.

Sani also appealed to government institutions, stakeholders and members of the public to cooperate with the committee, while thanking Governor Yusuf for the confidence reposed in its members.

The committee is expected to submit its report within three weeks.