Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has approved a bill granting full financial and administrative autonomy to 44 local government councils in the state. The move has been welcomed by Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South Senatorial District. According to a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the bill will be transmitted to the state House of Assembly for legislative consideration.

Senator Sumaila described the development as a vindication of his efforts to restore local government autonomy at the national level. On May 15, 2024, he moved a motion in the Nigerian Senate calling for the restoration of local government autonomy, a process that was later reinforced by a court victory under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The court ruling secured independence for local councils nationwide.

The senator recalled that his motion was aimed at promoting democracy, grassroots development, and accountability. He stated that the implementation of local government autonomy in Kano State is a significant step forward, demonstrating the correctness of his position on the issue. Senator Sumaila reaffirmed his commitment to advancing democratic reforms that empower citizens and strengthen governance across the country.

The approval of the bill is seen as a major milestone in the struggle for local government autonomy in Nigeria. The development is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country’s democratic system and grassroots development. With the transmission of the bill to the state House of Assembly, the next step will be for the legislature to consider and pass the bill into law.

The implementation of local government autonomy in Kano State is likely to be closely watched by other states and stakeholders, as it has the potential to serve as a model for democratic reforms in Nigeria. As the process unfolds, it is expected that the benefits of local government autonomy, including enhanced accountability and grassroots development, will become more evident.