KANO – The Landlord and Caretaker Association of Sabon Gari, Kano, has issued an urgent appeal to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, citing “excessive, arbitrary, and exploitative” tenement rate hikes by Fagge Local Government officials.
In a formal complaint dated April 28, 2026, the association revealed that property taxes have skyrocketed from an average of ₦20,000 in 2024 to demands exceeding ₦2,000,000 in 2026—a staggering increase that stakeholders say threatens the economic stability of the area.
The Breaking Point
The group, led by Chairman Chief Andy Olasi and Secretary Mr. Kunle J.O., described the current tax regime as “ruinous.” According to the association, property owners who paid roughly ₦15,000 to ₦20,000 in 2024 were hit with initial demands of ₦1 million in 2025. After a series of protests, those rates were temporarily adjusted to between ₦100,000 and ₦250,000 depending on the building size.
The group, led by Chairman Chief Andy Olasi and Secretary Mr. Kunle J.O., described the current tax regime as “ruinous.” According to the association, property owners who paid roughly ₦15,000 to ₦20,000 in 2024 were hit with initial demands of ₦1 million in 2025. After a series of protests, those rates were temporarily adjusted to between ₦100,000 and ₦250,000 depending on the building size.
However, the new 2026 demand notices have reportedly jumped again, with some landlords being served bills for over ₦2 million.
Economic Hardship and Harassment
The petition highlights a growing crisis in the Sabon Gari district, the state’s primary commercial hub. The association alleges that local government officials are using “threats of sealing properties and public embarrassment” to force payments without proper property valuations or professional assessments.
The petition highlights a growing crisis in the Sabon Gari district, the state’s primary commercial hub. The association alleges that local government officials are using “threats of sealing properties and public embarrassment” to force payments without proper property valuations or professional assessments.
“Many landlords are pensioners who rely on rent for survival,” the statement read. “Tenants are also being evicted because landlords must increase rent to meet these demands, causing serious tension in Sabon Gari.”
The group further complained of “multiple taxation,” noting that they are already burdened with Land Use Charges, Withholding Tax to the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), and KANGIS levies on the same properties.
Calls for Reform
While maintaining that they are law-abiding and not against taxation, the association is calling for an immediate suspension of the current demands. To resolve the crisis, they are urging the State Government to establish a joint committee including representatives from the Ministry of Local Government, KIRS, and the Association to set fair, value-based rates.
While maintaining that they are law-abiding and not against taxation, the association is calling for an immediate suspension of the current demands. To resolve the crisis, they are urging the State Government to establish a joint committee including representatives from the Ministry of Local Government, KIRS, and the Association to set fair, value-based rates.
They also demand an end to the harassment of property owners by local council officials and have called for tax harmonization. This would consolidate all property-related taxes into a single, transparent demand notice to eliminate the current issue of double billing.
The association warned that if these “exploitative demands” continue, it will lead to mass property abandonment and tenant displacement. The petition has been copied to the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, and the Director of the DSS, as the landlords seek an audience with the Governor to present documented evidence of the notices.
