Massive LGA Allocations Yet Proverty, Youth Unemployment Persist – Senator Kawu

Massive LGA Allocations Yet Poverty, Youth Unemployment Persist – Senator Kawu

 

Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila has expressed deep concern over the persistent high levels of poverty and youth unemployment at the grassroots, despite the huge financial allocations to Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the country.

 

In an interview with journalists, the Kano South lawmaker revealed that the 44 LGAs in Kano State alone received a total of ₦130.74 billion between January and June 2025, yet communities have seen little or no tangible improvement in living conditions.

 

According to him, Kano Central’s 15 LGAs were allocated ₦49.42 billion, Kano South’s 16 LGAs received ₦45.46 billion, while Kano North’s 13 LGAs collected ₦35.87 billion during the period. Nassarawa LGA topped the chart with ₦5.12 billion, while Tofa received the least, ₦2.34 billion.

 

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

 

He identified the lack of autonomy for Local Governments as the root of the problem, arguing that bureaucratic bottlenecks prevent resources from reaching the people.

 

“Imagine if our LGAs had the freedom to manage their allocations, internally generated revenue, and grants. They could employ youths, empower local contractors, boost markets, respond swiftly to emergencies, and improve schools and hospitals. Without autonomy, communities will remain underdeveloped,” he said.

 

Senator Kawu called for urgent reforms to guarantee the financial and administrative independence of Local Governments, stressing that accountability, transparency, and tangible results at the grassroots are long overdue.

 

“Until LGAs are empowered, no matter how much money flows from the Federation Account, poverty and unemployment will persist,” he warned.