Kano’s New Era of Land Administration: How Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Commissioner Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar Are Restoring Order, Protecting Public Assets and Expanding Access to Land
By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa
Land remains one of the most valuable resources for economic development, investment, housing and social stability. For many years, Kano State witnessed widespread challenges in land administration, including illegal allocations, encroachment on public institutions, land grabbing and unauthorized developments that threatened public infrastructure and government property.
Today, however, a new direction is emerging under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose administration has placed transparency, accountability and the rule of law at the centre of land administration. Working closely with the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Hon. Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar Garko, the government has embarked on bold reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in the state’s land management system.
One of the most commendable achievements of the present administration is the fair and transparent allocation of land to deserving citizens. Through a structured process supervised by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, the government has allocated plots to politicians, civil servants, youths and other qualified individuals without discrimination.
The allocation of about 1,000 plots of land to young people across Kano State’s 44 Local Government Areas stands as a landmark initiative designed to promote economic empowerment, encourage investment and provide beneficiaries with valuable assets for future development. This initiative demonstrates Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to ensuring that government resources benefit ordinary citizens while creating opportunities for wealth creation.
Beyond land distribution, the administration has demonstrated remarkable courage in protecting government property from illegal occupation. The recent demolition of unauthorized structures and the arrest of suspects involved in the illegal demarcation and sale of government land at the Southern Terminal Layout (Trailer Park) sent a strong message that public assets are no longer available for exploitation.
Similarly, the swift intervention to halt illegal encroachment on the premises of the Government Girls Secondary School, Goron Dutse, reflects a government determined to safeguard educational institutions for future generations. Reports indicating that nearly one hundred plots had been illegally carved out within the school premises could have resulted in the permanent loss of valuable educational infrastructure. The prompt action ordered by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf prevented further damage and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public institutions.
Equally commendable was the government’s intervention at the site of the old Watari Bridge, where illegal attempts were made to convert a vital public facility into private residential plots. By demolishing the illegal structures, arresting those allegedly involved and initiating legal proceedings, the administration demonstrated that no individual is above the law when public interest is at stake.
These decisive actions have restored public confidence in the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. Under Hon. Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar Garko’s professional leadership, the Ministry has consistently emphasized due process, legal compliance and proper verification before land acquisition. Citizens are now encouraged to confirm the legal status of properties directly with the Ministry, thereby reducing the activities of fraudsters and land speculators.
The decision to return all lands belonging to schools, hospitals and other government institutions to the direct control of the Ministry represents another significant reform. This policy protects strategic public assets from illegal subdivision, allocation and conversion while preserving them for their intended public purposes.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf deserves commendation for providing the political will required to implement these reforms. His readiness to confront land grabbers, irrespective of their status, reflects responsible leadership and a genuine commitment to protecting the interests of Kano people.
Likewise, Hon. Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar Garko has distinguished himself as a professional public servant whose dedication to lawful land administration is producing visible results. His insistence on enforcing planning regulations, reclaiming illegally occupied government lands and ensuring equitable land allocation has earned the confidence of many residents.
The transformation taking place within Kano’s land administration sector goes beyond issuing Certificates of Occupancy or allocating plots. It represents the restoration of public trust, the protection of government investments, the promotion of orderly urban development and the establishment of a land administration system founded on transparency, professionalism and justice.
As these reforms continue, Kano State is positioning itself as a model for responsible land governance in Nigeria. The combined leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Commissioner Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar Garko demonstrates that with vision, integrity and firm enforcement of the law, land administration can become a catalyst for sustainable development, economic growth and improved public welfare.
Indeed, the ongoing reforms deserve the support of all stakeholders. By protecting public assets, empowering citizens through equitable land allocation and restoring discipline in land administration, the Kano State Government is laying a solid foundation for a more prosperous, orderly and economically vibrant future.
Maikudi Muhammad Marafa is residing in Kano and can be reached @maikudimuhammad@gmail.com
