In a bid to enhance transparency in governance and foster sustainable growth, Katsina State Governor, Malam Umaru Dikko Radda, has taken decisive steps to streamline land administration and physical planning.

During a stakeholders' engagement at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Government House, Katsina, Governor Radda underscored the necessity of improved governance in land administration. Expressing concerns over the violation of existing laws by some local government officials and traditional institutions, he emphasized the pivotal role of the Land Use Act of 1979, entrusting the state governor with control over urban lands.

Furthermore, Governor Radda highlighted Law No. 2 of 2011, empowering the State Urban & Regional Planning Board (URPB) to oversee physical planning and development, with the Katsina Geographic Information Service (KATGIS) handling land matters and registration.

Addressing the audience, Governor Radda directed council chairmen to strictly adhere to established procedures, emphasizing that all land-related matters must pass through the Ministry of Lands & Physical Planning and KATGIS, with non-compliance facing severe consequences.

Dr. Faisal Umar, the State Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, revealed that approximately 250 kilometers of land have been developed across the state's 34 local governments. Anticipating future population growth, the government aims to proactively plan for expansion to meet the increasing need for shelter and infrastructure.

In response to the government's initiative, traditional leaders, including the Galadiman Katsina District Head of Malumfashi, Retired Justice Saddiq Abdullahi Mahuta, and others commended Governor Radda for prioritizing control over land and physical-related matters. They proposed distributing pamphlets containing regulations to raise awareness among local governments.

Council chairmen echoed similar sentiments, recognizing the importance of the stakeholders' meeting in fostering collaboration and clarifying boundaries.

As the Katsina State Government remains committed to effective land administration and physical planning, it upholds its resolve to ensure sustainable development, firmly grounded in the rule of law.