From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA) has launched a stakeholder engagement programme to sensitise communities and the general public about the authority’s mandate.
Led by the Director General, Abdurrahman Yahya, the programme has reached various communities in approved regularised areas within Kaduna Metropolis, including Kinkinau/Unguwan Mu’azu, Hayin Na’iya/Malalin Gabas, Danhonu 1, Danhonu 2, Gidan-Daji, Danbushiya, Kadaure, and Babban Saura.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Assistant Director of the Public Affairs Unit, KASUPDA, Nuhu Garba Dan’ayamaka, made available to Daily Sun.
According to the statement, the Director General explained that the regularised areas were initially marked by encroachments, title changes, and developments carried out without legal documents from the government.
He urged traditional and religious leaders to educate and sensitise their communities on the importance of obtaining building permits. Yahya emphasised:
“No matter how many years a person has occupied a home, if they have not obtained the necessary documents from the government, they may still face issues.”
He further pledged to reward traditional titleholders who successfully mobilise their communities to comply with regularisation processes.
The Head of the Regularisation Unit at KASUPDA, Nasiru Bello, noted that the authority has streamlined the planning permit process to reduce delays. He stated that applicants now require only basic architectural drawings, a KADGIS acknowledgment letter, and a District Head confirmation letter to receive development approval, without waiting for a Certificate of Occupancy from KADGIS.
Bello also highlighted the subsidies introduced by Governor Uba Sani’s administration, which reduced building permit fees. Charges for permits previously costing ₦1,500,000 have been lowered to ₦150,000, while those priced at ₦1,000,000 are now ₦100,000.
Traditional leaders in the affected areas expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for his support and the subsidy on building fees. They pledged to disseminate the message to their communities and assured the government of their cooperation in achieving its objectives.
The programme featured interactive sessions, including comments, questions and answers on regularisation, development approval processes, and penalty fees. These discussions provided an opportunity for participants to address their concerns directly with KASUPDA officials.