*Says all land-related matters must go through Ministry of Lands
*Plans for future expansion to accommodate l growing need for shelter, infrastructure
By; SULAIMAN AHMED MISAU, Katsina
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has ordered estate agents and others involved in land sale businesses in the state to register and obtain licenses to operate.
Speaking during the engagement on land and physical planning related matters held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, General Muhammadu Buhari (Government)
House Katsina, Governor Radda noted that, the importance of legalizing and sanitizing the land sale business would prevent criminals from gaining access to rent residential and business premises within the communities.
The governor explained that, the law establishing the State Community Security Watch Corps has empowered Community Development Committees to screen individuals interested in purchasing residential houses or land within their respective communities.
This measure he said would ensure thorough knowledge of individuals relocating to reside in their communities.
According to him, the state government would collaborate with land administrators of the local government areas to enhance awareness of their roles, adding that, the government would also conduct a thorough examination of all land allocations made in the cities to ensure compliance with established procedures.
Governor Dikko Radda warned that, henceforth, all matters related to land allocation, building permits, and building plans must be channeled through appropriate government agencies.
Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed concerns over 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 in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed 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 and 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.
Governor Radda directed local government council chairmen in the state to strictly adhere to established procedures, underscoring that all land-related matters must go through the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning and KATGIS. Non-compliance with existing laws and procedures will result in severe consequences.
The State Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Dr Faisal Umar 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.
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