By Barbara Nwaiwu
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has inaugurated a high powered seven member committee to investigate persistent violations of town planning regulations and the increasing spread of poorly regulated developments across the state. The committee was officially inaugurated on Sunday.
Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the governor, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk-Ibrahim, said the continued disregard for laws governing physical planning and development control had become a major concern for the Kano State Government.
A statement issued by the Press Secretary to the SSG, Musa Tanko-Muhammad, quoted Ibrahim as saying that widespread non-compliance with established planning regulations had weakened government efforts to achieve orderly urban development, improve infrastructure and enhance the aesthetic outlook of Kano State, particularly within the metropolitan area.
He explained that increasing reports and findings relating to the neglect of development control measures informed the decision to establish the committee to thoroughly examine the operations of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) and identify factors responsible for recurring violations of planning regulations across the state.
The seven member committee is chaired by Dr Aliyu Dalhatu-Sani, Director General of KANGIS, while the Provost of the Anti-Corruption Institute, Rahma Mallam-Alhaji, will serve as Secretary.
According to the government, other members were selected from relevant professional backgrounds to ensure a comprehensive, objective and fact-based investigation.
Ibrahim recalled that only a few weeks earlier, Gov. Yusuf approved the constitution of a committee to identify and halt illegal structures across parts of the Kano metropolis, particularly in Nasarawa, Tarauni, Fagge and other affected local government areas.
He said findings from the ongoing exercise showed that the challenges associated with unauthorised developments were more extensive than initially anticipated and posed serious threats to urban planning standards while undermining government investments in critical infrastructure across the state.
The SSG stated that while the earlier committee continued with its assignment, the government considered it necessary to commence a broader investigation into the activities of KNUPDA to determine why planning regulations continued to be violated despite existing laws, policies and procedures.
He expressed the governor’s confidence in the committee, describing members as individuals of proven integrity and professional competence.
According to him, the government expects a comprehensive assessment and practical recommendations that would support reforms, strengthen compliance and improve development control mechanisms within Kano State’s urban planning sector.
“As part of measures to ensure transparency and facilitate an unhindered investigation, the Governor has directed the Managing Director of KNUPDA and the Authority’s Director of Architecture to step aside for the duration of the investigation,” he said.
Ibrahim reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to restoring order, strengthening regulatory compliance, protecting public infrastructure and promoting sustainable physical planning practices across Kano State.
Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Dr Aliyu Dalhatu-Sani, assured the government that members would carry out the assignment diligently in line with the committee’s terms of reference and utilise their broad mandate to recommend practical and sustainable solutions to illegal developments and compliance challenges.
He also appealed to institutions, stakeholders and members of the public to cooperate with the committee to support a thorough and successful investigation.
Dalhatu-Sani thanked Gov. Yusuf for the confidence reposed in the committee and pledged that members would deliver a credible, comprehensive and actionable report within the stipulated period.
The committee is expected to submit its report to the Kano State Government within three weeks from the date of inauguration.
