Senator Abdulrahman Kawu has expressed concern that poverty and youth unemployment remain unacceptably high at the grassroots despite huge financial allocations to local government areas (LGAs) across the country.
Speaking to journalists, the Kano South lawmaker revealed that between January and June 2025, the 44 LGAs in Kano State alone received a total of ₦130.74 billion. However, he lamented that the impact of these funds is yet to be felt in the lives of ordinary people.
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According to him, Kano Central’s 15 LGAs got ₦49.42 billion, and Kano South’s 16 LGAs received ₦45.46 billion, while Kano North’s 13 LGAs collected ₦35.87 billion during the six-month period. Nassarawa LGA topped the list with ₦5.12 billion, while Tofa received the least with ₦2.34 billion.
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“Despite this financial windfall, youth unemployment still hovers above 40 per cent in many states. Healthcare facilities are overstretched, schools remain underfunded, and poverty levels have hardly declined,” Kawu stated.
Lack Of Financial Autonomy Stalling Grassroot Development – Senator Kawu
He attributed the situation to the lack of financial and administrative autonomy for local governments, arguing that resources are trapped in bureaucracy instead of reaching the people.
“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 stressed that granting autonomy to local governments is “long overdue”, urging reforms that will guarantee accountability, transparency, and development at the grassroots.
“The people deserve results. Until autonomy is achieved, no matter how much money flows from the Federation Account, poverty and unemployment will persist,” he added.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
