Kano Firm Alleges N2bn Land Takeover From Govt

A Kano-based manufacturing company, A.B. Janruwa Enterprises, has accused the Kano State Government of initiating the takeover of its land valued at over N2bn without prior notice, warning that the move could jeopardise a multi-billion-naira factory expansion project expected to create more than 2,000 jobs.

The company, which produces yarn and tailoring materials, alleged that government contractors had begun fencing off its over four-hectare land in the Chalawa Industrial Area despite the absence of formal notification or compensation.

The Kano State Government, however, assured that all affected landowners would be duly compensated, ruling out a forceful takeover.

Speaking to journalists in Kano, the company’s manager, Abdullahi Hashim, said the land, located near its existing factory in Kirimbu, Chalawa, was acquired over several years from local farmers for the construction of a large-scale manufacturing facility.

Hashim said the company later discovered that the property had been incorporated into a proposed industrial layout by the state government linked to the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline development corridor.

He warned that the alleged takeover could undermine the company’s planned expansion and affect the employment opportunities expected from the project.

The company’s legal representative, Umar Ahmad Umar, said his client was not served with a revocation notice as required by law.

He said the company only became aware of the development after physical activities commenced on the land.

When contacted, the Kano State Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning assured that all landowners affected by the acquisition would receive compensation.

The ministry’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Murtala Shehu, urged the company to remain calm, insisting that the project was intended to promote the state’s economic prosperity.

“We are appealing for calm; no land will be taken over without proper compensation,” Shehu said.

The ministry also ruled out the possibility of a forceful takeover, reiterating its commitment to compensating affected property owners.