Kano govt suspends, probes KNUPDA boss over town planning violations

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has suspended the Managing Director of Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), over what he described as persistent violations of town planning across the state.

Also suspended was KNUPDA’s Director of Architecture.

The duo was asked to step aside during the duration of the investigation by a seven-man Committee inaugurated to look into the recurring town planning violations.

According to Governor Yusuf, the suspension was part of measures to ensure transparency and facilitate an unhindered investigation.

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 KNUPDA and identify factors responsible for the persistent violations of planning regulations across the state.

Governor Yusuf consequently approved the inauguration of a high-powered seven-member Committee to investigate persistent violations of town planning regulations and the proliferation of poorly regulated infrastructural developments across Kano state.

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

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 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, 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 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.

He expressed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s confidence in the newly inaugurated committee, citing the caliber, 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.

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 observed that persistent violations of urban planning regulations have continued to hinder government efforts aimed at promoting orderly urbanization and sustainable development in Kano.

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 from the date of its inauguration.