The Kano State Government has moved to demolish an allegedly illegal plaza under construction at the heart of the famous Kwari Market as part of its ongoing crackdown on unauthorized developments and violations of urban planning regulations across the state.
The decision followed an inspection visit by the Special Task Force Committee on Illegal Structures, which identified the ongoing construction at the Plaza Line section of Kwari Market as a violation of planning laws and a potential threat to public safety.
Speaking during the inspection, the Chairman of the committee and Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, said the structure was erected in a manner that obstructs a critical access route within the market.
Dalhatu who doubled as the chairman of the Kano state task force on illegal Structures said the blockage of passageways in one of the busiest commercial centres in West Africa poses serious dangers to traders, customers, and emergency responders, particularly in the event of disasters such as fire outbreaks, building collapses, stampedes, or other emergencies.
Dr. Sani stressed that market routes and access corridors must remain open at all times to facilitate free movement and ensure effective emergency response whenever the need arises, noting that the ongoing construction contravene existing planning regulations and undermines efforts by the state government to maintain order and safety within public spaces.
“The construction is against the law because it blocks a vital passage within the market. Such routes are essential for movement and emergency response. Allowing structures of this nature to remain could create serious challenges in the event of any disaster,” he said.
The KANGIS Director-General disclosed that the government would proceed with necessary enforcement measures, including demolition of the structure, to protect lives and preserve the integrity of the market layout.
He reiterated that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to enforcing planning laws and preventing illegal developments that endanger public safety.
Dr. Sani also warned developers, traders, and property owners against erecting structures in market routes, road setbacks, drainage channels, waterways, and other public spaces designated for communal use.
According to him, illegal constructions often contribute to environmental challenges, traffic congestion, flooding, and difficulties in emergency management, emphasizing that all commercial and residential developments must comply with approved plans and obtain the necessary approvals from relevant authorities before construction begins.
The committee chairman further reminded developers that commercial buildings are required to meet prescribed standards, including integrity tests designed to assess structural quality, safety, and suitability for public use.
He warned that any structure found to violate planning regulations would face appropriate sanctions, including sealing, removal, or demolition.
Dr. Sani called on residents of Kano State to support the government’s efforts by reporting illegal structures to relevant agencies and the Special Task Force Committee whenever such violations are observed.
He said public participation is critical to safeguarding lives and ensuring sustainable urban development across the state.
“We urge members of the public to report any illegal structure they come across. Government alone cannot monitor every location. The cooperation of residents is essential if we are to maintain order and prevent future disasters,” he stated.
The action at Kwari Market represents the latest phase of the state’s aggressive enforcement campaign against unauthorized developments.
In recent weeks, the Special Task Force Committee has sealed dozens of structures across Kano metropolis for various violations, including illegal conversion of residential buildings to commercial use, construction without approval, encroachment on public spaces, and failure to comply with planning regulations.
The committee recently sealed 37 structures across parts of Nassarawa, Tarauni, and Kumbotso Local Government Areas, in addition to 13 structures earlier shut down over similar infractions.
Urban planning experts and residents have welcomed the government’s intervention at Kwari Market, noting that maintaining clear access routes is essential in a densely populated commercial environment that attracts thousands of traders and visitors daily.