Kano Government has backed new state, 26 LGAs and state police creation under constitution review.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Kano State has formally thrown its weight behind the creation of an additional state from its territory and the establishment of 26 new local government areas.
This Nigeria news platform understands that the demand forms part of a wide-ranging memorandum submitted to the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review during the North West zonal public hearing in Kaduna on Saturday.
Presenting the state’s position, Kano Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam Gwarzo, said the proposals aim to bring governance closer to the people and meet rising developmental demands. He stressed that Kano’s growing population and expansive landmass justify the creation of a new state and an increase in LGAs from 44 to 70.
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“Kano identifies with the calls for restructuring and supports the creation of new states in line with Section 8 of the Constitution. We are also advocating the creation of 26 additional local governments to meet the aspirations of our people,” Gwarzo stated.
The memorandum, endorsed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, was developed following an extensive public consultation process led by a 22-member stakeholders’ committee. Inputs were gathered through radio call-in programs and an open town hall at Mambayya House, home of the late statesman Malam Aminu Kano.
In addition to pushing for new administrative units, Kano demanded full constitutional recognition of local governments as the third tier of government. The state proposed amendments to Sections 2(2), 7, and 162(5) to entrench local government autonomy and enhance fiscal accountability.
“Kano notes the marginalization of local governments in the federal structure and calls for reforms to empower them within a disciplined and strategic framework,” Gwarzo said.
On security, the state advocated for the establishment of state police forces to strengthen public safety but called for clear jurisdictional boundaries to prevent clashes with federal police.
“While state police can address current security gaps, we must define operational limits and ensure robust inter-agency collaboration,” Gwarzo noted, citing proposed changes to the Second Schedule, Part I, Item 45.
Kano also called for stronger constitutional roles for traditional rulers, urging protections against political interference in their appointments. It proposed the creation of a National Council of Traditional Rulers to advise the Federal Government on key national matters.
In the area of resource allocation, the state proposed a new revenue sharing formula: reducing the federal government’s share from 52.68% to 40%, increasing state allocations to 35%, and boosting local governments to 25%.
The state further endorsed efforts to enhance women’s political representation in both national and state legislatures.
Gwarzo concluded by describing the proposals as the outcome of a broad, participatory process that reflects the collective voice of Kano citizens. “We urge the National Assembly to give these proposals the consideration they deserve as steps toward a constitution that truly mirrors the aspirations of all Nigerians,” he said.
