Kano begins recertification of land documents

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Monday unveiled the recertification of Certificate-of-Occupancy in Kano as part of a renewed effort to create an efficient and transparent land management system in the state.

This is coming after the unveiling of significant reforms in land administration with the renovation of the Kano State Geographic Information System and the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning’s administrative block.

He explained that the unveiling would ensure comprehensive recertification of Certificates of Occupancy to ensure accurate, secure land records, protect investments as well as resolve disputes and called on landowners to comply promptly.

The governor, however, criticised the previous administration for corruption, mismanagement, and urban planning failures and pledged to restore order through reforms that will ensure accountability, innovation, and sustainable development.

He said the state-of-the-art Geographic Information System was put in place to modernise land management, improve urban planning, enhance taxation, and eliminate revenue leakages.

“The government has banned inappropriate land allocations and has set up a Task Force on Development Control to address urban development challenges and protect Kano’s cultural heritage.

“The complete renovation of KANGIS and the Ministry’s facilities, now equipped with modern ICT infrastructure will enhance service delivery,” the governor said.

In his remark, the state Commissioner for Land, Abduljabbar Umar, called on all landowners in the state to register their ownership interests and individual certificates of ownership.

He also called for the formal registration of unapproved residential and commercial structures and informal settlements, which have emerged over the years due to rapid population growth and limited development control.

“This process will render all current titles void after a set period, requiring owners to revalidate their titles in line with the new GIS system.

“This transformation to digital C-of-O’s will provide numerous benefits including accurate and reliable records to reduce manipulation and make land ownership easier to verify and update.

“The people of Kano State should expect a Ministry of Land and Physical Planning that is more efficient, customer-focused, and committed to providing timely, transparent services.

“With the ongoing enhanced security through certificates that are virtually impossible to forge, protecting property rights and reducing fraud,” Umar said.

The commissioner therefore called on all landowners to come forward and renew their land titles to benefit from the improved system stressing the recertification process will ensure ownership records are accurate and protected from future disputes.