By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA) has successfully concluded its 2025 Sensitisation and Awareness Week, held from December 8 to 10, 2025, across Kaduna State. The programme, the first of its kind in the Authority’s history, focused on promoting safe and lawful urban development under the theme: “Build Right, Live Safe – Obtain Proper Approvals.”
In a statement released by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit, Nuhu Garba Dan-Ayamaka, KASUPDA highlighted that the awareness week featured rallies, media engagements, football competitions, town hall meetings, professional site inspections, and sensitisation visits. The event also marked the launch of the Certificate of Fitness and Habitation and the inauguration of a KASUPDA Ambassador.During the rally, KASUPDA Director General, Bldr. Abdurrahman Yahya, Ph.D, led staff and management across major parts of Kaduna metropolis. Residents were educated on the importance of obtaining proper development approvals before commencing construction or land-related activities. Flyers were distributed to reinforce key messages on urban planning compliance.
The Director General participated in media programmes across multiple platforms, including Freedom Radio (92.9 FM) and DITV Alheri Radio (97.7 FM) in Hausa, as well as KSMC and Invicta FM in English, to further engage residents on safe building practices.In collaboration with allied professionals, KASUPDA conducted site inspections at Nurus Siraj Estate, Millennium City, Asa Estate, Namadi Sambo Close, Kagoro Road developments, Unguwan Rimi, and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Way. Challenges identified included encroachment, blocked access roads and waterways, inadequate parking, and poor ventilation, with professional recommendations provided to address the issues.A football competition was held to promote collaboration and community engagement, with the Director General officiating key matches. Additionally, a town hall meeting in Rigasa—the largest district in Nigeria—educated residents on KASUPDA’s mandate, distributing flyers to ensure widespread awareness.Speaking on behalf of the community, Chairman of the Rigasa Action and Awareness Forum (RAAF), Malam Yusuf Wada Muhammad, pledged support for KASUPDA initiatives and was subsequently appointed KASUPDA Ambassador for Rigasa Area.
The event also featured the official launch of the Certificate of Fitness and Habitation**, aimed at ensuring compliance with safety standards to protect lives and property.Bldr. Abdurrahman Yahya, Ph.D, expressed satisfaction with the increasing public compliance, noting a rise in applications received by KASUPDA in 2025 compared to previous years. He emphasised that the sensitisation drive aligns with the people-centred leadership of His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani, and urged residents to secure proper approvals before initiating any development projects.The Director General reaffirmed KASUPDA’s commitment to orderly urban development, public safety, and the protection of lives and property across Kaduna State.
