Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has inaugurated a seven-member committee to investigate persistent violations of town planning regulations and the proliferation of poorly regulated developments across the state.
The development was announced in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Musa Tanko, on Saturday.
According to the statement, the governor also directed the Managing Director of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), Hajiya Hauwa Hassan Tudun Wada, and the authority’s Director of Architecture to step aside pending the outcome of the investigation.
Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, described persistent violations of physical planning and development control regulations as a major challenge confronting the state government.
He said the continued disregard for planning laws had become a source of concern, noting that widespread non-compliance had undermined efforts to achieve orderly urban development, improve infrastructure and enhance the aesthetic outlook of Kano metropolis.
“The increasing neglect of development control measures necessitated the establishment of the committee to thoroughly examine the operations of KNUPDA and identify factors responsible for persistent violations of planning regulations across the state,” Ibrahim said.
He recalled that Gov. Yusuf had recently constituted a committee to identify and stop illegal structures in parts of Kano metropolis, particularly in Nasarawa, Tarauni and Fagge Local Government Areas.
According to him, findings from the ongoing exercise revealed that the challenges associated with unauthorised developments were more extensive than initially anticipated and posed serious threats to urban planning standards and government investments in critical infrastructure.
“The government considered 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,” he said.
The SSG expressed confidence in the committee, citing the integrity and professional competence of its members.
He said the government expected the committee to provide a comprehensive assessment and practical recommendations that would strengthen compliance and improve development control mechanisms in the state.
Ibrahim reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to restoring order, protecting public infrastructure and promoting sustainable physical planning practices across Kano State.
The committee is chaired by Dr Aliyu Dalhatu Sani, Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), while Barrister Rahma Mallam Alhaji, Provost of the Anti-Corruption Institute, will serve as secretary.
Other members were drawn from relevant professional backgrounds to ensure a thorough and objective investigation.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Sani assured the government of members’ commitment to carrying out the assignment diligently and in line with its terms of reference.
He said persistent violations of urban planning regulations had continued to hinder efforts aimed at promoting orderly urbanisation and sustainable development.
Sani pledged that the committee would recommend practical and sustainable measures to address illegal developments and strengthen compliance with 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 chairman thanked Gov. Yusuf for the confidence reposed in the committee and assured that a credible and comprehensive report would be submitted within the stipulated timeframe.
The committee is expected to submit its report to the state government within three weeks.
