By Rabiu Sanusi
The Kano State Government has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of indiscriminate erection of illegal structures across the Kano metropolitan area, describing the situation as a serious threat to orderly urban planning, environmental sustainability, and public safety.
The government noted with dismay 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 the appropriate authorities.
According to the government, such unlawful developments pose significant social, environmental, economic, and psychological challenges to residents and undermine the broader vision of sustainable urban development.
In response to the disturbing development, the Kano State Government has inaugurated a high-powered Committee on the Identification of Illegal Structures to comprehensively assess the situation and recommend lasting solutions in line with extant 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 Department, Architecture, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil; Barrister Ahmad Sunusi, Deputy Director, Legal, Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS); Umar Musa Umar of the Department of Geography, Northwest University, Kano, and Technical Adviser to the DG of KANGIS on GIS; Abubakar Usman (AU), retired Surveyor-General, Ministry of Land and Physical Planning; Dr. Zainab Ibrahim Jibril, Deputy Director, Research and Linkages, Centre for Entrepreneurship Research and Training; Sunusi Abdullahi K/Naisa, retired civil servant, 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 (DAGS), KANGIS, will serve as Secretary of the committee, while Yusuf Yakubu Ismail of 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 both the immediate past Managing Director and the current Managing Director.
In addition, the committee is tasked with taking necessary measures to halt illegal developments across the metropolitan area and advising the government on viable and sustainable solutions that will 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 its inauguration.
While inaugurating the committee on behalf of the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), 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 a strong sense of commitment in the overall interest of the people of Kano State.
Responding on behalf of the committee members, the Chairman, Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for finding them worthy of the important assignment.
Dr. Sani stated that the confidence reposed in the committee reflected the government’s trust in their competence, professionalism, and commitment to service delivery.
He further noted that the achievements recorded under his leadership as Director-General of KANGIS, particularly in the areas of discipline, institutional reforms, and economic development initiatives, have continued to strengthen public confidence in the agency.
He thanked Almighty Allah for bringing together experienced and capable individuals for the assignment and assured the government that the committee would work tirelessly to justify the confidence reposed in it.