TheCable

The Kaduna state government says the state is being actively positioned as a cheaper alternative to Abuja through its land allocation programme.

In a statement on Monday, Muyiwa Adekeye, the governor’s spokesman, recalled that in June 2019, Nasir El-Rufai, governor of the state, initiated the urban renewal programme to build, expand and maintain infrastructure in the state.

“This effort to remake the urban landscape and improve the quality of life in our cities continues the deliberate programme that began in 2015 with the establishment of the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS),” he said.

He said the KADGIS has issued 51,302 certificates of occupancy since 2017 for new allocations and the recertification of previous titles and has also allocated 4,359 plots in Kaduna.

He added that the state is actively being positioned as a lower cost alternative to Abuja.

“In addition, Malam Nasir El-Rufai specifically directed that KADGIS should allocate plots of land to as many government workers and citizens who demonstrate active interest by applying. Rare is the public function during which guests from the private and public sectors are not actively invited by KDSG to apply for land in Kaduna State. The state is being actively positioned as a lower cost alternative to Abuja for active workers, and a cheaper retirement option for senior citizens,” he said.

Adekeye noted that the state is aware of attempts to put a stain on its intensive efforts to develop the state.

He, however, noted that allocation of land “should be based on clear rules that assure equal outcomes to all who meet the criteria, whatever their names, filial affiliations or other status might be”.

“KDSG is proud of the quality and number of persons who have applied for land in Kaduna. It is concrete evidence that major investments in improving this city are being noted and embraced. However, those who seek scandal should not defame persons who have applied for land, who will pay the premium for the plot allocated to them and develop them according to set deadlines,” Adekeye said.