Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila has expressed concern that poverty and youth unemployment remain widespread across Nigeria.
This is despite the huge funds allocated to Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Speaking on Monday, during an interview with journalists, the lawmaker representing Kano South lamented that the financial inflow into the grassroots has not translated into improved living conditions for the people.
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Kawu revealed that in Kano State alone, the 44 LGAs received ₦130.74 billion between January and June 2025.
According to him, Kano Central’s 15 LGAs got ₦49.42 billion, Kano South’s 16 LGAs collected ₦45.46 billion, while Kano North’s 13 LGAs received ₦35.87 billion.
He added that Nassarawa LGA topped the chart with ₦5.12 billion, while Tofa got the least with ₦2.34 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,” the senator lamented.
He attributed the problem to the absence of full autonomy for Local Governments, insisting that too many resources are trapped in bureaucracy instead of reaching the people directly.
“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 Local Government autonomy is “long overdue” and called for urgent reforms to ensure financial and administrative 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.
