Impending demolitions designed to restore Kano ‘s master plan, says KNUPDA acting MD

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The Acting Managing Director of Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, has declared that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration is determined to restore the original master plan of Kano metropolitan city.

Sani who is also the Director General of Kano Geographic Information Service (KANGIS), took over the affairs of KNUPDA, after the suspension of the Authority’s Managing Director and the Director of Architecture by Governor Yusuf.

He spoke to journalists at KNUPDA headquarters in Kano, on Wednesday.

Dr. Sani pledged to implement sweeping reforms aimed at restoring order to physical planning and addressing illegal developments across Kano State.

According to him, his appointment to investigate and reform KNUPDA, was a call to service and an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing reforms agenda of Governor Yusuf’s administration in Kano.

He also recalled his achievements in KANGIS where he shored up monthly revenue generation on land administration from N50 million to N750 million, describing as a testament of his resolve to put “Kano First” in all his public service in the state.

Dr. Sani revealed that since he came on board, Kano state has been generating over N5 billion in KANGIS, annually.

“We introduced reforms, strengthened enforcement and improved compliance. Through transparency and commitment, we were able to significantly increase government revenue,” he added.

Dr. Sani further reiterated his commitment to transparency and accountability, stressing that public office should be used solely for service to the people, and not for personal aggrandisement.

Dr. Sani, however, revealed that preliminary findings by the Committee investigating the suspended leadership of KNUPDA, has already discovered a series of irregularities and inconsistencies in physical planning administration.

He said he was restrained to disclose his findings, until the completion of the investigation.

“There are issues that have been identified, but it would be inappropriate to disclose details before the completion of investigations and submission of reports to the appropriate authorities,” he added.

Our Correspondent recalled that Governor Yusuf suspended the Managing Director of KNUPDA over what he described as persistent violations of town planning across the state.

Also suspended was KNUPDA’s Director of Architecture.

The duo were 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 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 the 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.

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.