The Kano State Government has sealed about 50 illegal structures across parts of Kano metropolis in a fresh enforcement exercise aimed at restoring order in urban development.
The operation by the Kano State Geographic Information System (KANGIS) targeted unauthorised developments including plazas, garages, construction sites and commercial buildings that violated planning regulations.
Moreover, the exercise forms part of a broader effort to sanitise the system, protect lives, property and the environment, and ensure compliance with the state’s master plan.
The operation which was carried out yesterday, covered areas including Hotoro, Eastern Bypass, Unguwa Uku axis and other parts of the city.
The Chairman of the committee and Director-General of KANGIS, Dalhatu Sani, in a statement released on Friday said the task force was working across the state to identify and address all illegal structures.
“We are going around to identify all illegal structures across Kano. Some are based on reports from individuals, and others are discovered during our general inspections,” he said.
Sani explained that violations fall into two major categories: building without approval and misuse of issued permits.
“Sometimes people build without permits. In other cases, permits are issued wrongly or used in violation of zoning rules.
“A place approved for commercial use may be used for residential purposes, and this creates serious problems,” he said.
He noted that such breaches affect government revenue, environmental planning and urban safety.
Furthermore, Sani urged residents and developers not to panic, assuring that structures with proper documentation would be reviewed and released.
“They should not be afraid. If they have all the required documents, their structures will be released. But if not, they must regularise their papers,” he said.
He advised developers to always follow due process to ensure safety and proper urban planning, adding that the committee would continue its enforcement drive across the state.