By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
The Kano State Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Alhaji Abduljabar Umar, has reiterated the current administration’s efforts to provide the state with effective land policies that will enable citizens to access decent land with infrastructure development.
He noted that despite the Land Use Act of 1978 vesting land ownership in the government, occupants can hold certificates of occupancy.
Saying In the country, land ownership can be complex. while the government has authority over lands, individuals and communities also hold rights, but the government’s efforts are hindered because people in both urban and rural areas often fail to comply with the Act..
The Commissioner made this statement during a meeting with representatives of Ketawa communities from Gezawa Local Government at the Kano State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.
Alhaji Abduljabar Umar addressed their concerns about potentially unfavorable compensation, suggesting they look into the compensation payments made to affected individuals during the Taludu Flyover construction project, as well as those in areas like Gwogon and other communities where the government has created new layouts for the expansion of Kano’s metropolitan areas.”
Speaking at the meeting the chairman of Gezawa Local Government, Alhaji Mukadas Bala Jogana, stated that the current administration is people-oriented and would not take any action that would harm its citizens. He added that the people of Ketawa are not opposed to the project, but rather expect fair treatment in terms of compensation payments.
The community representative Professor Idris Aliyu Gezawa stated that the people of Ketawa are willing to support the government’s efforts, but they expect fair compensation, similar to what other communities affected by government development projects have received.
A powerful committee has been inaugurated, comprising officials from the Kano State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, Gezawa Local Government, and representatives of the Ketawa community, to find an amicable resolution before the project commences.
