The Kano State government has issued a strong warning to farmers in the state, urging them to refrain from selling their farmlands to foreigners and individuals with questionable backgrounds.
This caution comes after several reports indicated an alarming trend of such sales, particularly in various local government areas, with particular attention being drawn to Shanono.
The warning was conveyed during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday at the office of the Shanono Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Barau.
The meeting was attended by a number of key officials, including the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Safiyanu Hamza Kachako.
Speaking at the event, Kachako expressed deep concern over the growing practice of farmland sales to external parties, stressing the potential negative consequences this could have on the state’s land resources and security.
He further announced plans to introduce more stringent regulations on land use and mining activities, which have become critical issues in the region.
As part of these measures, the commissioner revealed that a Task Force would be inaugurated soon.
This Task Force is expected to closely monitor and regulate mining activities across the state, ensuring that only legally recognized operations are allowed to proceed.
Kachako also urged the local government chairman to initiate local laws that would make it illegal for farmers to sell their lands to foreigners or any unverified individuals.
This, he stated, would serve to protect the state’s agricultural resources and ensure that such decisions are made transparently and in the best interest of the community.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to harness the full potential of the state’s agricultural and natural resources for sustainable economic development.
In response, the Shanono Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Barau, assured the gathered stakeholders that the local government was fully prepared to take the necessary actions to address this issue.
He promised that the local government would explore various investment opportunities in the mining sector, all while safeguarding the interests of local farmers and residents.
Barau further called on the District Head of Shanono, Alhaji Ibrahim Sani Gaya, to help spread this important message to communities at the grassroots level.
“This would ensure that all citizens are fully informed about the new regulations and the importance of protecting local land resources from exploitation.”