KNSG Reaffirms Commitment to Restoring Sanity in Land Administration
By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting affordable homeownership and restoring sanity to land administration as the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning successfully conducted the second day of its landmark land allocation and Certificate of Occupancy distribution programme.
The initiative is part of the fulfillment of the campaign promises of the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, aimed at empowering citizens through secure, legally recognized, and properly planned land ownership.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Honourable Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Hon. Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar, described the programme as another milestone in the administration’s determination to expand access to land, reduce the housing deficit, eliminate illegal land speculation, and promote orderly urban development across Kano State.
The Commissioner recalled that the first day of the programme witnessed the presentation of land allocation grants to more than 500 beneficiaries, comprising Senior Special Reporters (SSRs), Special Reporters (SRs), Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Special Assistants (SAs), and Personal Assistants (PAs) serving in the present administration.
According to him, the second phase of the programme was dedicated to the administration’s loyal community polling agents, popularly known as ‘Yan Akwatin Abba Gida- Gidan whose dedication and sacrifices contributed significantly to the electoral success of the present administration.
“Today, we are fulfilling another important promise by presenting land allocation documents to our committed polling agents whose hard work and unwavering support played a vital role in the success of this administration. This clearly demonstrates that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is a leader who honours his promises and remains committed to rewarding those who stood by him,” Hon. Abduljabbar stated.
The Commissioner emphasized that the plots being allocated are located within government-approved and professionally planned layouts, designed to meet modern urban planning standards. He explained that, unlike the unregulated land subdivisions commonly referred to as “Awon Igiya”, the government layouts provide beneficiaries with access to essential infrastructure and public services.
He noted that each layout has been carefully designed with wide access roads, effective drainage systems, and designated areas for schools, healthcare centres, markets, places of worship, recreational parks, security facilities, and other public utilities necessary for building safe, healthy, and sustainable communities.
Hon. Abduljabbar condemned the activities of illegal land speculators who continue to subdivide and sell government land without authorization, warning that such practices have been responsible for the emergence of unplanned settlements, persistent flooding, traffic congestion, land disputes, and slum development in many parts of the state.
“This administration is determined to bring an end to the era of ‘Awon Igiya.’ We are restoring order to land administration and ensuring that physical development across Kano State strictly complies with approved planning standards. Illegal land grabbing and unauthorized subdivisions will no longer be tolerated,” he declared.
The Commissioner further urged beneficiaries to regard the allocations as long-term investments for their families rather than commodities for immediate resale. He advised recipients to develop the plots by building homes and creating lasting assets that would benefit future generations.
He also encouraged the beneficiaries to continue supporting the developmental programmes of the present administration by sharing the achievements of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s government within their respective communities and promoting the vision of a well-planned, prosperous, and economically vibrant Kano State.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and professionalism in land administration while continuing to implement policies that guarantee secure land ownership, promote planned urban growth, and improve the quality of life for the people of Kano State.
