Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has signed an executive order prohibiting land allocation for curve-outs or corner shops under any circumstances.
The order, effective from October 24, 2024, seeks to curb unauthorized land allocations and protect public spaces in both urban and rural areas across the state.
The order explicitly forbids any public institution or individual, including local government councils, the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), the Housing Corporation, the Ministry of Environment, and other agencies, from initiating or approving any form of structure under the guise of a curve-out or corner shop.
Governor Yusuf expressed concerns about the surge in illegal land allocations on public grounds, including school premises and hospital compounds, and emphasized that the government had received numerous complaints from citizens regarding these unauthorized activities.
“This executive order is essential to protect our public spaces and halt the encroachment of land by unauthorized officials and institutions,” Governor Yusuf stated. “The misuse of land on public properties, especially within educational and healthcare institutions, undermines the public services these spaces are intended to support.”
In addition, the executive order mandates that no ministry, department, or agency may sell, transfer, or convert public property without the explicit approval of the governor. This restriction also covers ancient cultural sites, with specific mention of the historic Kano city walls (Ganuwa), reinforcing their protected status as cultural landmarks.
The signing ceremony, attended by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo and Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly Ismail Jibrin Falgore, highlighted the governor’s determination to uphold the integrity of public land use in Kano State.
To ensure compliance, Governor Yusuf has tasked the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, led by Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rmingado, with strict enforcement of the order. “The Anti-Corruption Commission has been directed to take all necessary steps to enforce this directive. Any violation will lead to prosecution,” the governor asserted.
The executive order also includes restrictions on grazing reserves and cattle routes, areas often at the center of land disputes. No ministry, department, or traditional institution is permitted to allocate these lands without prior government authorization.
The move has been widely praised by residents and officials alike. “This is a commendable effort to safeguard Kano’s resources for future generations,” remarked a local resident, reflecting a shared sentiment in the community against land misuse.
With this order now in effect, the Kano State Government is optimistic that it will bring an end to years of unauthorized land transactions and ensure sustainable land management for public benefit.
