By Fatima Abdullahi Malle, Kano
The Kano State Government has announced a 60-day extension for the payment of land certification fees, giving landowners more time to regularize their documents.
Speaking during a press conference, the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Alhaji Abduljabbar Muhammad, revealed that the new deadline for the renewal of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) is now May 30, 2025, following the earlier deadline of April 1, 2025.
The fee remains at N10,000, and the certification exercise launched on November 25, 2024 has already seen the successful enumeration of properties across six metropolitan areas, including Nassarawa and Fagge Local Government Areas. According to the Commissioner, the exercise covered plots, houses, schools, and other structures.
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Despite the progress, Alhaji Abduljabbar expressed disappointment over the low level of compliance from landowners, many of whom have failed to make the required payment since the initiative began. He emphasized that the government has made significant efforts to improve living standards and promote legal land ownership.
He warned that failure to comply would result in the revocation of land titles, as provided in Section 28, Subsection (5) of the Land Use Act of 1978. He stated:
“Our doors remain open to landowners to come forward and settle the required payment of N10,000. After the expiration of the 60-day extension, we will begin the process of revocation.”
The Commissioner added that the names of defaulters would be published in national newspapers, and displayed at the Audu Bako Secretariat, Kano State Library, and the Kano State High Court of Justice.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano Geographic Information Systems (KANGIS) agency to continue processing renewals of Certificates of Occupancy and urged those with outdated documents to take advantage of the extended window before May 30, 2025.
Alhaji Abduljabbar also announced the upcoming launch of the Sectional Titling Initiative in Kano State. This initiative aims to simplify property ownership, particularly in business complexes, housing estates, and plazas.
The Commissioner concluded by commending Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his leadership and for empowering the ministry to serve the people of Kano with forward-thinking, developmental policies.