By Uzair Adam
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a committee to identify illegal structures and review building approvals across Kano metropolis as part of efforts to strengthen urban planning and environmental safety.
While inaugurating the committee on behalf of Governor 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 expressed concern over the growing trend of indiscriminate construction of buildings without proper approvals, saying the development poses serious challenges to public safety, environmental sustainability, and orderly urban growth.
According to him, despite existing regulations guiding physical development in the state, some individuals continue to embark on construction projects without obtaining the necessary documentation from relevant authorities.
The SSG urged members of the committee to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and commitment in the overall interest of Kano residents.
The committee is chaired by the Director General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani.
Other members include retired Permanent Secretary and former Head of the Department of Architecture at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, Dayyabu Zubairu Gani; Barrister Ahmad Sunusi of the Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS); Umar Musa Umar of Northwest University Kano; retired Surveyor General Abubakar Usman; Dr. Zainab Ibrahim Jibril; retired civil servant Sunusi Abdullahi K/Naisa; Freedom Radio’s Muzammil Ibrahim Yakasai; and Bello Zakari, Special Assistant on Revenue to the DG KANGIS.
Mustapha Ibrahim Fagge, Director of Administration and General Services at KANGIS, will serve as secretary of the committee, while Yusuf Yakubu Ismail from the Office of the Head of Civil Service will serve as co-secretary.
The committee has been mandated to identify illegal structures 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 and current managing directors.
In addition, the committee is tasked with recommending measures to halt illegal developments and advising the government on sustainable solutions to improve compliance with physical planning laws and urban development policies.
The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks.
Responding on behalf of the committee members, Chairman Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani thanked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for finding them worthy of the assignment.
He said the confidence reposed in the committee reflected the government’s trust in their professionalism and commitment to service delivery.
Dr. Sani added that reforms and achievements recorded under his leadership at KANGIS, especially in the areas of discipline and institutional development, had strengthened public confidence in the agency.
He assured the government that the committee would work tirelessly to justify the confidence reposed in it.
