The Kano State Government has expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of illegal structures and unauthorized developments across the metropolitan area, describing the trend as a serious threat to urban planning, environmental sustainability and public safety.
The government noted that despite existing regulations guiding physical development in the state, some individuals continue to embark on construction projects without obtaining the necessary approvals and documentation from relevant authorities.
According to the government, such unlawful developments pose significant social, environmental, economic and psychological challenges to residents while undermining the broader vision of sustainable urban development in the state.
In response to the development, the government inaugurated a high-powered Committee on Identification of Illegal Structures to comprehensively assess the situation and recommend lasting solutions in line with existing laws and regulations.
The committee is chaired by the Director General of the Kano Geographic Information System KANGIS, Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani.
Other members of the committee include Dayyabu Zubairu Gani, a retired Permanent Secretary and former Head of the Department of Architecture at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology; Barrister Ahmad Sunusi, Deputy Director, Legal, Kano Internal Revenue Service; Umar Musa Umar of the Department of Geography, Northwest University Kano and Technical Adviser to the DG KANGIS on GIS; and Abubakar Usman (AU), retired Surveyor General from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.
Also appointed into the committee are Dr. Zainab Ibrahim Jibril, Deputy Director, Research and Linkages, Centre for Entrepreneurship Research and Training; Sunusi Abdullahi K/Naisa, a retired civil servant from the Ministry of Information; Muzammil Ibrahim Yakasai of Freedom Radio; and Bello Zakari, Special Assistant on Revenue to the DG KANGIS.
Mustapha Ibrahim Fagge, Director of Administration and General Services at KANGIS, will serve as Secretary of the committee, while Yusuf Yakubu Ismail from the Office of the Head of Civil Service will serve as Co-Secretary.
The committee has been mandated to identify all illegal structures within Kano metropolis, particularly in Nasarawa, Tarauni, Kumbotso and Fagge Local Government Areas.
It is also expected to review all approvals granted within the last one year and determine those processed under the immediate past Managing Director as well as the current Managing Director.
In addition, the committee is tasked with taking necessary measures to halt illegal developments across the metropolitan area and advise the government on sustainable strategies to strengthen compliance with physical planning regulations and urban development policies.
The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks from the date of inauguration.
Speaking during the inauguration on behalf of the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, described the assignment as critical to the physical, economic and environmental development of the state.
He urged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, integrity and commitment in the overall interest of Kano residents.
Responding on behalf of the committee members, Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani expressed appreciation to Governor Yusuf for the confidence reposed in them.
He said the committee would work tirelessly to justify the trust placed in it and ensure that its assignment contributes meaningfully to orderly urban development and institutional reforms in Kano State.