Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Managing Director and the Director of Architecture at the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) over alleged irregularities in town planning regulations.
Governor Constitutes Investigative Panel
Governor Yusuf has also set up a high-powered investigative panel to probe the persistent violations and proliferation of poorly regulated urban planning across the state. The announcement was made by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Faruq Ibrahim Umar, who stated that the governor frowns upon the continued disregard for laws governing physical planning and development control under the current management of KNUPDA, necessitating urgent intervention.
Widespread Non-Compliance
The SSG emphasized that the government has noted widespread non-compliance with existing laws, which undermines the administration's efforts to achieve orderly urban development, improve infrastructure, and enhance aesthetic design around the metropolis. While inaugurating the seven-member investigative committee, Alhaji Umar revealed the need to thoroughly examine KNUPDA's operations and identify factors responsible for the persistent violations of planning regulations in the state.
Previous Committee on Illegal Structures
Umar recalled that only a few weeks ago, Governor Yusuf approved the constitution of a committee to identify and halt illegal structures in parts of 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 are far more extensive than initially anticipated, posing serious threats to urban planning standards and undermining government investments in critical infrastructure across the state.
Broader Investigation into KNUPDA
The SSG stated that while the earlier committee continues with its assignment, the government considered it necessary to launch a broader investigation into KNUPDA's activities to uncover illegal allocation of public property. He tasked the panel with ensuring transparency and facilitating an unhindered investigation, adding that the government expects a comprehensive assessment and practical recommendations to support necessary reforms in the sector.
Committee Members
The seven-member committee is chaired by Dr. Aliyu Dalhatu Sani, Director General of KANGIS, with the Provost of the Anti-Corruption Institute, Barrister Rahma Mallam Alhaji, serving 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 failure.
