Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has directed the immediate suspension of the Managing Director and Director of Architecture at the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) over alleged irregularities. Subsequently, the governor constituted a high-powered investigative panel to probe persistent violations and the proliferation of poorly regulated urban planning across the state.
Government Announces Suspension
Announcing the development, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Faruq Ibrahim Umar, stated that Governor Yusuf frowns upon the continued disregard for laws governing physical planning and development control under the current management of KNUPDA, hence the need for urgent intervention. The SSG emphasized that the government had noted widespread non-compliance with existing laws, undermining the administration’s efforts to achieve orderly urban development, improve infrastructure, and enhance aesthetic design around the metropolis.
Investigative Panel Inaugurated
While inaugurating the seven-member investigative committee, Alhaji Umar revealed the necessity to thoroughly examine the operations of KNUPDA and identify factors responsible for persistent violations of planning regulations in the state. He recalled that only a few weeks ago, Governor 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 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 uncover illegal allocation of public property.
Committee Composition and Mandate
The SSG tasked the panel to ensure transparency and facilitate an unhindered investigation, adding that the government expects a comprehensive assessment and practical recommendations to support necessary reforms in the sector. 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. Other members were drawn from relevant professional backgrounds to ensure a comprehensive, objective, and fact-based investigation.
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 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 to address the failures.
