ABSTRACT
This study examines the role and responsibilities among the three tiers of Government in the Federation as provided in the constitution and other legal provisions. But focuses particularly on the activities of Federal Government in Kano Metropolis. The research assesses some Federal Government exclusive functions and other concurrent functions shared with the State Government. However, emphasis is given to the responsibilities that required the use of vast size of land and affect the spatial growth and location pattern of other uses. Three exclusive and two concurrent functions were selected for assessment, this include Trunk A road, Airport, Railway, Housing and Educational Institutions respectively. The study also examines how the Federal relates with Kano State Government agencies in carrying out these functions. It has been found that since 1975, all the physical development proposals in Kano such as housing programmes, site and services scheme, B.U.K. Master plan etc which the Federal Government plan to implement, had not achieve half of any of the proposed plans. In ability of the Federal Government agencies to fully and properly implement their plans led to the emergence of physical/environmental and social problems. The study also reveals that the Federal had contact only with Kano State Government during the process of land acquisition for physical development projects. There was no attempt to coordinate the functions of their Ministries and parastals involved in preparation and Implementation of planning schemes. Recommendations was put forward on how to improve the performance and ameliorate the existing problems and the way the two tiers of government should cooperate and coordinate their activities.