Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has launched the recertification of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) as part of a renewed push for efficient and transparent land management in the state.
Speaking on Monday during the unveiling, the governor said the initiative would secure land records, protect investments, and resolve ownership disputes. He urged landowners to comply promptly with the process.
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“This recertification ensures accurate and secure land records, protects investments, and resolves disputes. We call on landowners to embrace the reforms,” Yusuf stated.
The governor highlighted the extensive renovation of the Kano State Geographic Information System (KANGIS) and the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning’s administrative block as a testament to his administration’s commitment to land reforms. The modernized Geographic Information System, he added, would enhance urban planning, improve taxation, and eliminate revenue leakages.
“We have banned inappropriate land allocations and set up a Task Force on Development Control to tackle urban development challenges and preserve Kano’s cultural heritage,” Yusuf said.
Criticizing the previous administration for corruption and poor urban planning, Yusuf pledged to restore accountability and innovation to the state’s land management system.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Land, Abduljabbar Umar, emphasized the need for all landowners to register their ownership interests and revalidate their titles in line with the new GIS system. He noted that the transition to digital Certificates of Occupancy would streamline land management processes, ensure accuracy, and protect property rights.
“This process will render current titles void after a set period, requiring revalidation. Digital C-of-Os will reduce manipulation and make land ownership easier to verify and update,” Umar explained.
He further urged residents to register unapproved residential and commercial structures, as well as informal settlements, to formalize their ownership.
“The people of Kano should expect a Ministry of Land and Physical Planning that is more efficient, customer-focused, and committed to timely and transparent services,” Umar added, stressing that the enhanced security features of the new system would make certificates nearly impossible to forge and protect property from fraud.
The commissioner called on landowners to renew their titles promptly to benefit from the upgraded system, which aims to ensure accurate ownership records and prevent future disputes.
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