Unemployment, poverty still high despite huge allocations to LGAs – Senator Kawu Sumaila

Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila has raised alarm that poverty and youth unemployment remain widespread at the grassroot level despite the massive funds allocated to Local Governments across the country.

Speaking during an interview with journalists, the Kano South senator said the 44 Local Government Areas in Kano State alone received ₦130.74 billion between January and June 2025, yet communities have seen little or no improvement in their living conditions.

He explained that Kano Central’s 15 LGAs got ₦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 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,” Kawu lamented.

He said the problem lies in the lack of autonomy for Local Governments, which leaves resources trapped in bureaucracy instead of directly benefiting 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, insisted that autonomy for LGAs is “long overdue” and urged urgent reforms to guarantee their 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.