The Kano State Government has pulled down several unauthorised structures in the Sharada area and warned developers to obtain proper approval or face legal action.
The State Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Abduljabar Umar, issued the warning on Tuesday during the demolition exercise carried out on a piece of land located in Sharada within Gwale Local Government Area.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the affected buildings were constructed on land originally set aside for recreational purposes within the Federal Housing Authority estate.
Umar explained that the action became necessary after authorities discovered that some individuals had begun developing the land without securing the required approvals from the appropriate agencies.
He noted that the area was initially designated as a recreational space for residents of the estate and stressed that such незаконal development violates the state’s urban planning laws, making any structure built without approval unlawful.
“We are a law-abiding state, and there are laws guiding any development in Kano State,” the commissioner said.
He further stated that anyone intending to build must first obtain approval from the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority.
Umar added that those responsible for the незаконal developments would be prosecuted, stressing that the government would not allow public land to be converted into private commercial use.
He revealed that the незаконal structures had already been demolished and assured that authorities would continue to monitor the area to prevent further encroachment.
The commissioner also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the land for its original purpose, noting that plans were in place to convert it into a recreational park for the community.
“Our eyes are on this stretch of land. We assure residents that it will be converted into a recreational centre for their benefit,” he said.
He added that all documentation related to the land was under review, emphasising that any legitimate owner must ensure “it is used strictly for recreational purposes.
“We will not allow this place to be converted into a commercial venture,” he said.
