Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has inaugurated a high-powered seven-member committee to investigate persistent violations of town planning regulations and the proliferation of poorly regulated developments across the state.

Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the governor, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Faruk-Ibrahim, said the continued disregard for laws governing physical planning and development control has become a major concern for the Kano State Government.

A statement by the Press Secretary to the SSG, Musa Tanko-Muhammad, quoted his principal as saying 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 him, reports and findings relating to 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 the persistent violations of planning regulations across the state.

The seven-member committee is chaired by Aliyu Dalhatu-Sani, Director-General of KANGIS, while the Provost of the Anti-Corruption Institute, Rahma Mallam-Alhaji, is to serve as Secretary of the committee.

Other members were drawn from relevant professional backgrounds to ensure a comprehensive, objective, and fact-based investigation.

The SSG recalled that only a few weeks ago, Mr 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.

Mr Ibrahim explained that findings from the ongoing exercise revealed that the challenges associated with unauthorised 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.

He stated that while the earlier committee continued with 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.

The SSG expressed the governor’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,” he said.

The SSG 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, the chairman of the committee, Mr  Dalhatu-Sani, 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.

He 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 Mr 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 from the date of its inauguration. 

(NAN)