Kwankwaso: Direct Funding Will Empower Local Governments, Boost Development

Kwankwaso: Direct Funding Will Empower Local Governments, Boost Development

Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jamaare River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), has welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive urging Nigerian Governors to implement Local Government financial autonomy in their states.

In a statement released in Kano on Monday, Kwankwaso said the President’s directive reflects his commitment to empowering grassroots communities across Nigeria. By ensuring that local governments receive their funds directly, the authorities can effectively tackle pressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of infrastructure development.

“If Local Governments receive their funds directly, they can execute development projects at their level, which will empower their people,” he said. “They can build hospitals, schools, and provide adequate security to their communities.”

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Recalling his tenure as Chairman of Madobi Local Government in Kano State about 20 years ago, Kwankwaso noted that a monthly grant of N30 million enabled him to pay salaries and still execute impactful development projects.

He reminded Governors that Local Government financial autonomy is not a presidential grant but a right guaranteed by a Supreme Court judgement, which they are constitutionally obliged to respect.

Commenting on the 2026 Federal Budget presented by President Tinubu to the National Assembly, Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the country will soon witness accelerated infrastructure development, citing ongoing projects such as the Kano-Maradi Railway and the Kano-Abuja Expressway.

On security, the APC stalwart commended National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Musa, and Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle for their coordination, which he said has produced tangible results across the nation.

Kwankwaso: Direct Funding Will Empower Local Governments, Boost Development