Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reiterated his commitment to enhancing grassroots governance by supporting a bill that seeks to grant full financial and administrative autonomy to all 44 local government councils in the state.
The governor’s stance was made public in a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, following the 31st Executive Council meeting held at the Government House Annex in Kwankwasiyya City.
During the meeting, Governor Yusuf presided over discussions that culminated in the council’s approval to transmit the autonomy bill to the Kano State House of Assembly for further legislative consideration and eventual passage.
The proposed legislation aims to empower local governments by allowing them to independently manage their financial resources, execute development projects without undue delays, and make decisions tailored to the specific needs of their communities.
This, according to the governor, would mark a significant departure from the current system, where councils depend heavily on state government allocations and approvals.
Governor Yusuf emphasised that local government autonomy is vital for good governance, transparency, and accountability. He noted that decentralising authority to the grassroots would not only speed up development projects but also foster a stronger democratic culture by bringing decision-making closer to the people.
“This reform is a necessary step in deepening democracy in Kano State,” the governor said. “When local governments control their own finances and administration, they can better serve their communities and respond more swiftly to local challenges.”
The governor expressed confidence that the members of the Kano State House of Assembly would recognise the importance of the bill and support its passage, stressing that the move aligns with the aspirations and welfare of the people of Kano.
The push for local government autonomy in Kano reflects broader calls across Nigeria for decentralisation of power, which many see as crucial for improving governance and boosting development at the grassroots level. If enacted, Kano would join several other states that have granted autonomy to local councils, aiming to enhance efficiency and accountability in local administration.
Stakeholders and observers are now awaiting the State House of Assembly’s action on the bill, which could set a precedent for governance reforms within the state and beyond.
