Kano unveils committee to identify illegal structures, review building approvals

Kano State Government has launched an 11-member committee tasked with identifying illegal structures and scrutinizing building approvals across the Kano metropolitan area. This initiative stems from the government's concern over the proliferation of structures erected without due process, which are seen as detrimental to sustainable urban development and a source of social, economic, and environmental risks for residents.

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The assignment is critical to the physical, economic, and environmental development of the state.

During the committee's inauguration, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk-Ibrahim, emphasized the critical nature of the assignment for the state's physical, economic, and environmental progress. He urged the committee members to carry out their duties with diligence, integrity, and commitment, highlighting the need to curb indiscriminate construction activities that bypass proper authorization.

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Such actions undermine sustainable urban development and pose social, economic, and environmental risks to residents.

The committee, chaired by Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu-Sani, Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), includes a diverse range of professionals. Members include a retired Permanent Secretary, architects, academics from Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, and representatives from the Kano Internal Revenue Service and Northwest University Kano. The committee's mandate is comprehensive: to pinpoint illegal structures in specific local government areas (Nasarawa, Tarauni, Kumbotso, and Fagge), review all building approvals granted within the past year, propose strategies to halt further illegal developments, and reinforce adherence to physical planning regulations.

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The committee is mandated to identify illegal structures in Nasarawa, Tarauni, Kumbotso, and Fagge LGAs, review all approvals granted in the last one year; recommend measures to halt illegal developments; and strengthen compliance with physical planning regulations.

Mustapha Fagge, Director of Administration and General Services at KANGIS, will serve as Secretary, with Yusuf Ismail from the Office of the Head of Civil Service as Co-Secretary. The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within four weeks. Dr. Aliyu-Sani, responding on behalf of the committee, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and pledged a professional and committed approach to their task.

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We will work to justify the trust through professionalism and commitment.