Despite huge allocations to LGAs, poverty, unemployment still high – Senator Kawu Sumaila

Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila has expressed concern that, in spite of the enormous sums of money given to local governments nationwide, poverty and youth unemployment are still pervasive at the grassroots level.

Speaking to reporters, the senator from Kano South claimed that despite receiving ₦130.74 billion between January and June 2025, the living circumstances of the 44 Local Government Areas in Kano State alone had not improved.

He clarified that during that time, Kano North’s 13 LGAs received ₦35.87 billion, Kano South’s 16 LGAs received ₦45.46 billion, and Kano Central’s 15 LGAs received ₦49.42 billion. Tofa received the least amount, ₦2.34 billion, while Nassarawa LGA received the most, ₦5.12 billion.

“Despite this financial windfall, youth unemployment still hovers above 40 percent in many states, healthcare is overstretched, schools are underfunded, and poverty levels show little or no reduction,” Kawu lamented.

According to him, the issue is that local governments lack autonomy, which traps resources in red tape rather than using them to help the public.

“Imagine if our Local Governments had the autonomy to manage their allocations, internally generated revenue, and grants. They could employ our youths, empower indigenous contractors, boost local markets, respond swiftly to emergencies, and upgrade schools and hospitals. But without autonomy, communities will remain underdeveloped,” he said.

Kawu maintained that LGA autonomy is “long overdue” and called for immediate changes to ensure their administrative and financial independence.

“The people deserve accountability, transparency, and results at the grassroots. Until then, no matter how much money flows from the Federation Account, poverty and unemployment will persist,” he added.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.