By Usman Usman Garba
The Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the inauguration of a high-powered seven-member committee to investigate persistent violations of town planning regulations and the proliferation of poorly regulated developments across the state.
In a statement released by Musa Tanko, Chief Press Secretary to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the committee was formally inaugurated.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor during the inauguration, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, expressed concern over the persistent violations of physical planning and development control regulations, describing them as a serious challenge facing the Kano State Government.
He said the continued disregard for laws governing physical planning and development control had become a major concern for the government.
He noted that widespread non-compliance with established planning regulations has undermined government efforts to achieve orderly urban development, improve infrastructure, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of Kano State, particularly within the metropolitan area.
According to the SSG, reports and findings on the increasing neglect of development control measures necessitated the establishment of the committee to thoroughly examine the operations of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) and identify factors responsible for persistent 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, Barrister Rahma Mallam Alhaji, serves as the Secretary.
Other members were drawn from relevant professional backgrounds to ensure a comprehensive, objective, and fact-based investigation.
Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim recalled that only a few weeks ago, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf approved the constitution of a committee to identify and halt illegal structures in parts of the Kano metropolis, particularly in Nasarawa, Tarauni, Fagge, and other affected local government areas.
He explained that findings from the ongoing exercise revealed that the challenges associated with unauthorized developments were far more extensive than initially anticipated, posing serious threats to urban planning standards and undermining government investments in critical infrastructure across the state.
The SSG stated that while the earlier committee continues its assignment, the government considered it necessary to launch a broader investigation into the activities of KNUPDA to determine why planning regulations continue to be violated with little regard for established laws, policies, and procedures.
He expressed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s confidence in the newly inaugurated committee, citing the calibre, integrity, and professional competence of its members.
He added that the government expects a comprehensive assessment and practical recommendations that will support necessary reforms, strengthen compliance, and improve development control mechanisms within the 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.
Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to restoring order, strengthening regulatory compliance, protecting public infrastructure, and entrenching sustainable physical planning practices across Kano State.
Responding on behalf of the committee members, the Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Dalhatu Sani, acknowledged the significance of the assignment and noted that persistent violations of urban planning regulations have continued to hinder government efforts aimed at promoting orderly urbanisation and sustainable development.
He assured the government that the committee would diligently carry out its assignment in line with its terms of reference and leverage its broad mandate to recommend practical and sustainable measures for addressing illegal developments and strengthening compliance with planning regulations.
Dr. Aliyu Dalhatu Sani further called on all relevant institutions, stakeholders, and members of the public to cooperate fully with the committee to facilitate a thorough and successful investigation.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the confidence reposed in the committee and pledged that members would submit a credible, comprehensive, and actionable report within the stipulated timeframe.
The committee is expected to submit its report to the Kano State Government within three weeks of its inauguration.