Kano Assembly approves new urban planning law

The Kano State House of Assembly has passed the Kano State Physical Planning and Development Control Bill, 2026, paving the way for the dissolution of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA).

The bill was passed on Tuesday after lawmakers considered it at the Committee of the Whole, following its second and third readings during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Jibril Ismail Falgore.

Speaking to journalists after the sitting, the Majority Leader of the House and member representing Dala Constituency, Lawan Hussaini, said the new law establishes two metropolitan development agencies to oversee physical planning and urban development across the state.

According to him, the agencies will operate under the supervision of the Kano State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning and will assume all the responsibilities previously handled by KNUPDA.

“The new agencies will regulate physical development, grant building approvals, oversee urban renewal, carry out city planning and ensure compliance with environmental and planning regulations,” Hussaini said.

He explained that anyone planning to construct a new building or redevelop an existing one must obtain approval from the newly established agencies before work begins.

He added that the agencies would also inspect construction projects to ensure they comply with approved building plans and planning standards.

Hussaini said the creation of the agencies is aimed at promoting orderly development and improving the state’s physical planning system.

“The goal is to ensure orderly urban development and transform Kano into a modern city that meets international planning standards,” he said.

The Majority Leader also confirmed that the law establishing KNUPDA has been repealed, officially dissolving the agency and transferring its powers and responsibilities to the two newly established metropolitan development authorities.