By Bisola Adeyemo
In the effort to remake urban landscape and improve the quality of life, the Kaduna state government has allocated 4,359 plots of land to make Kaduna cheaper alternative to Abuja.
In a statement on Monday by Muyiwa Adekeye, spokesperson to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, recalled that in June 2019 the governor initiated the urban renewal programme to build, expand and maintain infrastructure in the state.
“In improving the quality of life in our cities, we will continue the deliberate programme that began in 2015 with the establishment of the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS),” he said.
He said the KADGIS has issued 51,302 certificates of occupancy since 2017 for new allocations and the recertification of previous titles and has also allocated 4,359 plots in Kaduna, the Cable reports.
“In addition, Malam Nasir El-Rufai specifically directed that KADGIS should allocate plots of land to as many government workers and citizens who demonstrate active interest by applying. Rare is the public function during which guests from the private and public sectors are not actively invited by KDSG to apply for land in Kaduna State. The state is being actively positioned as a lower-cost alternative to Abuja for active workers, and a cheaper retirement option for senior citizens,” he said.
He, however, noted that allocation of land “should be based on clear rules that assure equal outcomes to all who meet the criteria, whatever their names, filial affiliations or other status might be”.
“KDSG is proud of the quality and number of persons who have applied for land in Kaduna. It is concrete evidence that major investments in improving this city are being noted and embraced. However, those who seek scandal should not defame persons who have applied for land, who will pay the premium for the plot allocated to them and develop them according to set deadlines,” Adekeye said.