Kano Governor Suspends KNUPDA Managing Director

By Babatunji Wusu| Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has suspended the Managing Director of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), Arc. Hauwa Hassan Tudun-wada, over alleged irregularities linked to town planning and physical development activities across the state.

The suspension forms part of the government’s efforts to reform the urban planning sector and address concerns over reported violations within the Kano metropolis. The development has brought renewed attention to the ongoing KNUPDA investigation aimed at improving compliance with planning regulations.

According to the governor’s media aide, Hon. Nanu Kankarofi, the state government has also established a high-powered investigative committee to examine the activities of KNUPDA, including issues relating to illegal structures, land-use violations and urban development practices.

The committee was constituted through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, and will be chaired by the Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani. He also serves as head of the Kano State Special Task Force on Illegal Structures.

Officials said the KNUPDA investigation is expected to review the authority’s operations and determine whether planning regulations were properly enforced. The committee will also assess allegations concerning unauthorised developments and land management issues within the state.

In a separate statement, the Press Secretary to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Tanko Muhammad, confirmed the suspension and explained that the move was necessary to guarantee transparency during the probe.

“As part of measures to ensure transparency and facilitate an unhindered investigation, the Governor has directed the Managing Director of KNUPDA and the Authority’s Director of Architecture to step aside for the duration of the investigation,” the statement said.

The state government noted that the temporary suspension will allow the KNUPDA investigation to proceed without interference while authorities work to strengthen accountability and improve urban planning administration in Kano State.