Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared his full support for a new bill seeking to grant complete autonomy to all 44 local government councils in the state.
The governor’s position was revealed in a statement on Friday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa. It followed the 31st Executive Council meeting at the Government House Annex in Kwankwasiyya City, where the council approved the transmission of the bill to the State House of Assembly for legislative consideration.
Local government autonomy has long been a contested issue in Nigeria’s federal system. While the Constitution recognises federal, state, and local tiers of government, local councils are often deprived of independence, especially in financial management. Many states exercise strict control over councils, limiting their ability to make decisions, access federal allocations directly, or implement projects efficiently.
Governor Yusuf argued that the proposed law would give councils both financial and administrative independence, enabling them to manage resources directly, execute projects without delays, and respond better to local needs.
“Local government autonomy is essential for good governance, accountability, and the acceleration of development at the grassroots,” he said, stressing that the reform is necessary to deepen democracy in the state.
The governor also expressed confidence that lawmakers would support the bill, noting that it aligns with the overall interest of the people of Kano.
Local government autonomy remains a recurring theme in Nigeria’s democratic journey, reflecting constitutional debates, tensions between state and local authorities, and persistent calls for improved grassroots development.
