The Katsina State Governor, Malam Umaru Dikko Radda has introduced measures to make land administration and physical planning more efficient for better service delivery.
As part of this effort, plans are underway for the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning to implement the measures.
During a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Government House, Katsina, State yesterday. Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda highlighted the imperative need for improved governance in land administration.
Governor Radda expressed concerns over the disregard for existing laws and procedures by some local government officials and traditional institutions, which has led to illegal land allocations and other unauthorized transactions.
Governor Radda emphasized that the Land Use Act of 1979 entrusts the custody of all urban lands to the control of the state governor, encompassing lands within the 34 local government headquarters and all gazetted forest reserves.
Furthermore, Law No. 2 of 2011 empowers the State Urban & Regional Planning Board (URPB) to oversee issues pertaining to physical planning and development across the state, while the Katsina Geographic Information Service (KATGIS) handles land matters and registration.
The state governor directed council chairmen to strictly adhere to established procedures, underscoring that all land-related matters must go through the Ministry of Lands & Physical Planning and KATGIS. Non-compliance with existing laws and procedures will result in severe consequences.
Dr. Faisal Umar, the State Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, disclosed that approximately 250 kilometers of land have been developed across the 34 local governments in the state. Anticipating a significant population increase over the next 25 years, the government aims to proactively plan for future expansion to accommodate the growing need for shelter and infrastructure.
In response to the government’s initiative, traditional leaders, including the Galadiman Katsina District Head of Malumfashi, Retired Justice Saddiq Abdullahi Mahuta, Dan Madamin Katsina District Head of Daddara Alhaji Usman Usman Nagogo, and their Bakori counterpart, commended Governor Radda for prioritizing control over land and physical-related matters. They proposed the distribution of pamphlets containing regulations to raise awareness among local governments.
Several council chairmen echoed similar sentiments, recognizing the importance of the stakeholders’ meeting in fostering collaboration and clarifying boundaries.
As the Katsina State Government moves forward with its commitment to effective land administration and physical planning, it remains steadfast in its resolve to uphold the rule of law and ensure sustainable development across the state.
