Abba Dukawa
The Kano State Government has announced a fresh 60-day extension for the ongoing recertification of Certificates of Occupancy (CofO), warning that land owners who fail to comply risk losing their titles in accordance with existing laws.
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This development was made public during a press conference held Tuesday by the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar, at the ministry’s headquarters in Kano.
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According to the commissioner, the initial April 1, 2025 deadline which coincided with the Eid public holiday had previously been shifted from the earlier deadline of January 24, to allow more time for compliance.
He said despite this extension, it was said that many property owners were reluctant take part in the recertification process.
“It is quite unfortunate that many have remained aloof to repeated calls to safeguard their land assets by recertifying them,” he said. “This attitude exposes them to the risk of title revocation under Section 28(5) of the Land Use Act, 1978.”
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Abduljabbar stressed that the recertification fee remains a flat rate of N10,000, excluding any accumulated statutory debts, adding that the new deadline is now set for May 30, 2025.
The commissioner disclosed that since the launch of the exercise by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on November 25, 2024, the ministry has recorded a major milestone with 241,025 properties already documented across six key metropolitan LGAs Nassarawa, Fagge, Tarauni, Dala, Kano Municipal, and Gwale.
He described the enumeration as a critical step toward creating an accurate and comprehensive land database that will help the government understand property usage, estimate revenue potential, and plan infrastructure effectively.
“This initiative allows us to determine who owns what, how land is utilized, and what infrastructure is lacking in different areas,” he explained.
To enforce compliance, Abduljabbar said the names of all defaulters would begin appearing in national newspapers and on public notice boards at strategic government locations, including the Kano State Library, Audu Bako Secretariat, Gidan Murtala, and the State High Court.
He also emphasized that the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS) would continue to provide support to applicants across multiple platforms including online services, telephone lines, and physical service centers.
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In addition, the commissioner revealed that the ministry is finalizing plans to introduce Sectional Titling in Kano State. This will streamline land ownership processes in commercial and residential developments such as estates, plazas, flats, and markets.
Abduljabbar concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to land reforms and urged residents to take advantage of the extended window to secure their property rights.