Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District and former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, has thrown his weight behind the proposed local government financial autonomy in Kano State, describing it as a major step toward grassroots development.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, recently announced plans to transmit an executive bill to the State House of Assembly seeking to grant financial autonomy to the 44 local governments in the state.

The bill, if passed, will enable councils to access their funds directly and implement projects that will improve the quality of life for citizens.
Senator Sumaila, who chairs the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), commended the move, saying it vindicates his long-standing advocacy for an independent third tier of government.

“Senator Sumaila Kawu had earlier moved a motion on the need to confer financial autonomy on the 774 local governments, a process that later reinforced a court victory under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which secured independence for local councils nationwide,” a statement by his media aide, Abbas Adam-Abbas, read.

The lawmaker recalled that on July 15, 2024, he moved a motion on the Senate floor in support of local government autonomy — a motion that aligned with the Supreme Court judgment granting full financial independence to local councils.

“Today, I am glad that the Kano State Government is considering a bill before the State House of Assembly for the same purpose, and I must commend this effort. This is a victory for democracy and for the Nigerian people,” he stated.
He added that true local government autonomy will unlock development at the grassroots and ensure the delivery of democratic dividends.

“As a lawmaker, I am convinced that our third tier of government has the potential to drive development with the granting of financial autonomy, and I am glad that the Kano State Government is taking this bold step,” he said.
Senator Sumaila, a former Deputy Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, emphasized that advancing democracy and democratic reforms will always remain a priority in his legislative agenda.

He reiterated his commitment to championing reforms and interventions that will make Nigeria a better place and secure the future of generations to come.
He also urged Nigerians to continue advocating for good governance and accountability at all levels, stressing that such engagement is the right of every citizen, regardless of status or political affiliation.