Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the inauguration of a seven-member committee to investigate persistent violations of town planning regulations and the proliferation of unauthorized developments across Kano State.
The committee was inaugurated on behalf of the Governor by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Faruk Ibrahim, who described the continued disregard for physical planning laws and development control regulations as a major concern for the state government.
According to the SSG, widespread non-compliance with planning regulations has hampered efforts to achieve orderly urban development, improve infrastructure, and enhance the aesthetic outlook of Kano, particularly within the metropolitan area.
He explained that reports highlighting the growing neglect of development control measures prompted the government to establish the committee to thoroughly examine the operations of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) and identify the factors responsible for recurring violations of planning regulations.
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, will serve as secretary.
Other members were selected from relevant professional fields to ensure a comprehensive and objective investigation.
The SSG recalled that Governor Yusuf had recently constituted another committee to identify and halt illegal structures in parts of Kano metropolis, particularly in Nasarawa, Tarauni, Fagge and other affected local government areas.
He said findings from the ongoing exercise revealed that the problem of unauthorized developments was far more extensive than initially anticipated, posing serious threats to urban planning standards and undermining government investments in critical infrastructure.
Umar Faruk Ibrahim noted that while the earlier committee continues its assignment, the government deemed it necessary to launch a broader investigation into KNUPDA’s activities to determine why planning regulations continue to be violated despite existing laws, policies and procedures.
Expressing confidence in the newly inaugurated panel, the SSG said Governor Yusuf expects the committee to provide a comprehensive assessment and practical recommendations capable of strengthening compliance and improving development control mechanisms within the state’s urban planning sector.
As part of efforts to ensure transparency and facilitate an unhindered investigation, the governor directed the Managing Director of KNUPDA and the authority’s Director of Architecture to step aside pending the conclusion of the probe.
The SSG reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to restoring order, enforcing regulatory compliance, protecting public infrastructure and promoting sustainable physical planning practices across the state.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Dr. Aliyu Dalhatu Sani acknowledged the significance of the assignment, noting that persistent violations of urban planning regulations have continued to hinder government efforts to promote orderly urbanization and sustainable development.
He assured the government that the committee would carry out its mandate diligently and recommend practical and sustainable measures to address illegal developments and strengthen adherence to planning regulations.
Dr. Sani also appealed to relevant institutions, stakeholders, and members of the public to cooperate fully with the committee to ensure a successful investigation.
The committee is expected to submit its report to the Kano State Government within three weeks of its inauguration.
