Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has directed immediate suspension of Managing Director and Director Architecture at the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) of alleged irregularities.

Subsequently, Governor Yusuf constituted a high powered investigative panel to probe ‘persistent’ violations and proliferation of poorly regulated urban planning across the state.

Announcing the development, Secretary to the State Government SSG, Alh. Faruq Ibrahim Umar said Governor Yusuf frown at continued disregard for laws governing physical planning and development control under the current management of KNUPDA hence the need for the urgent intervention.

The SSG emphasized that government had noted a widespread non-compliance with extent laws, undermining the administration’s efforts to achieve orderly urban development, improve infrastructure, and enhance the aesthetic design around the metropolis.

While inaugurating the seven members investigative committee, Alh Umar revealed the need to thoroughly examine the operations of KNUPDA and identify factors responsible for the persistent violations of planning regulations in the state.

Umar recalled that only a few weeks ago, Governor Abba Kabir 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 the 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.

The SSG tasked the panel to ensure transparency and facilitate an unhindered investigation, added that government expects a comprehensive assessment and practical recommendations to support necessary reforms in the sector.

The seven-member committee chaired by Dr. Aliyu Dalhatu Sani, Director General of KANGIS, and the Provost of the Anti-Corruption Institute, Barrister Rahma Mallam Alhaji, serves as Secretary of the committee. 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 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 addressing the failure.