The Kano state Taskforce on illegal Structures has sealed more than 300 illegal buildings across the metropolis as part of the state government’s intensified campaign to enforce physical planning regulations and restore urban order.
The Chairman of the Task Force, Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the committee’s latest enforcement exercise on Wednesday.
He said the operation, which began following the committee’s inauguration, has focused on removing violations and ensuring compliance with approved development guidelines across the state.
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According to him, the enforcement covers major roads and strategic corridors, including Maiduguri Road, Western Bypass, Eastern Bypass, Ahmadu Bello Way and Gwarzo Road.
He explained that the exercise would continue until all illegal structures erected on road setbacks, public lands, waterways and other restricted areas are identified and brought into compliance with the law.
Dr. Dalhatu said properties sealed during Wednesday’s operation include a shopping plaza at Dan’agundi, block manufacturing industries, a car sales park, an ongoing construction project by a Chinese company, the re-sealing of a two-storey building at Gadon Kaya along BUK Road, and several buildings at Rimin Gata allegedly constructed beneath high-tension power lines, among other structures found to be in violation of planning regulations.
The Task Force Chairman directed owners and developers of all affected properties to appear before the committee at the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS) headquarters along Dr. Bala Muhammad Way with their Certificates of Occupancy, allocation papers, building approvals and other relevant title documents for verification before resuming any construction work.
He warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in legal action, stressing that the committee remains committed to ensuring that all physical developments in Kano strictly comply with due process and existing urban planning laws.