Kano Landowners Must Renew C of O by January 31 or Else, Says Gov Abba Yusuf

As part of Kano government’s move in an ongoing recertification exercise that was first announced by Governor Abba Yusuf during the recommissioning of the Kano State Geographic Information System (KANGIS) building on November 25, 2024, the Kano State government has issued a stern directive requiring all landowners in the state to renew their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) by January 31, 2025, or face potential revocation of their titles.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Abduljabbar Umar, the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, made this known.

“The land title renewal or registration deadline is drawing near,” Umar said. “All existing Certificates of Occupancy will be deemed invalid by the deadline, which is January 31, 2025.”
From the state’s founding to the present, Umar reminded all landowners to register or update their land documents at the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning.
“This is an important step in ensuring that land ownership across the state is secure and properly documented,” he emphasized.

The move is part of an ongoing recertification exercise that was first announced by Governor Abba Yusuf during the recommissioning of the Kano State Geographic Information System (KANGIS) building on November 25, 2024.
At that time, the governor urged all residents to take advantage of the new system to either register or renew their interest in land ownership.

Abduljabbar Umar reinforced the governor’s message, urging landowners to act promptly.
“I stand here today to reinforce the announcement made by the Executive Governor and urge all people holding interest in land across the state to immediately proceed to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to register their properties,” he said.

According to the commissioner, there are a number of noteworthy benefits to the new certification system, which will be fully functional at the KANGIS facility.
By reducing errors and removing delays brought on by antiquated manual procedures, the system will expedite the land documentation process.

“The new system reduces errors and manipulation of land files and titles by doing away with manual processes, resulting in accurate and dependable records,” Umar said.
“The new Certificates of Occupancy will be efficient and have sophisticated security features to guard against fraud. Because of their state-of-the-art security features, the new certificates are nearly impossible to forge. This will greatly lower the risk of fraud and assist protect property rights,” he said.

To protect their investments, Umar urged all landowners to start the recertification procedure as soon as possible. “The administration is working to provide secure, affordable, and easily accessible land documentation, which is essential for bolstering property rights throughout the state,” he stated.
The Kano State government is asking all impacted landowners to take immediate action in order to prevent issues or the loss of their property rights, as the deadline of January 31, 2025, draws near.