Kano at a Turning Point: Building on Government Successes to Secure a Sustainable Housing Future By Barr. Aminu Hussaini

Kano at a Turning Point: Building on Government Successes to Secure a Sustainable Housing Future By Barr. Aminu Hussaini

As Kano State continues to affirm its position as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic economic and population hub, a major opportunity lies ahead: transforming its growing urban landscape through smarter planning, stronger regulation and deeper collaboration with the private sector.

In recent years, the state has witnessed a rapid rise in demand for residential land, driven by population growth, urban migration and economic expansion. While this heightened demand has encouraged private developers to supply residential plots at unprecedented scale, an increasing number of these private layouts emerged without adequate planning, infrastructure or regulatory approval, placing both residents and government agencies at risk.Government Achievements: A Foundation Worth CelebratingDespite these challenges, the Kano State Government under the leadership of AKY has made remarkable strides in improving land administration, urban planning and infrastructure delivery. From digitizing key aspects of land records to strengthening the operations of land management agencies, the government has taken bold steps to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and promote orderly development.Key achievements include the introduction of more structured land allocation processes that prioritize fairness and efficiency; revitalization of planning agencies, improving their capacity to assess and approve layouts according to modern standards and improved monitoring and enforcement against unauthorized developments, expansion of government-serviced layouts as well as provision of safer and more affordable residential options.

Why Stronger Regulation Still MattersEven with these gains, the increasing proliferation of substandard private layouts means regulation and oversight must remain a priority. Many of these unapproved layouts lack essential infrastructure and pose long-term risks.Public–Private Partnership: The Key to SustainabilityOne of the most important lessons from modern urban development worldwide is that government effort alone is not enough — sustainability is best achieved when public institutions and private developers work hand-in-hand.

 With proper PPP frameworks, developers can co-invest in roads, drainage, energy and water systems while government ensures clear standards, oversight and incentives.

 Together, both sides can build high-quality and well-planned residential communities.A Shared Responsibility for a Shared FutureKano’s transformation can neither be left solely to government agencies nor entirely to private developers. Sustainability depends on mutual responsibility, where government maintains strong oversight, private investors build responsibly and communities embrace regulated housing options.ConclusionKano stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey.

. The state government’s outstanding achievements in strengthening land administration and urban planning have laid a strong foundation for progress. The next phase requires complementary partnership with private developers to sustain this momentum and ensure every resident has access to safe - modern housing.With continued government leadership and responsible private-sector participation, Kano under the AKY is set to become a national model for sustainable urban growth.

This opinion piece was written by Barrister Aminu Hussaini - Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State – AKY on Justice/Constitutional Matters - +234 8033742424 – aminuhussaini173@gmail.com