Kano pushes for new state, 26 more LGAs in constitution review proposal
Kano has formally requested the creation of an additional state and 26 new local government areas (LGAs) within its current boundaries.
The proposals were presented to the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review during the North West zonal public hearing held in Kaduna on Saturday.
Leading Kano’s delegation was the state’s deputy governor, Aminu Gwarzo, who described the demands as necessary steps to meet the growing needs of Kano’s expanding population and vast land area.
He explained that the request for 26 additional LGAs—raising the total from 44 to 70—was rooted in a desire to bring governance closer to ordinary citizens and to improve grassroots development and service delivery.
“With Kano’s burgeoning population and vast landmass, carving out another state is long overdue, while increasing the number of local governments from 44 to 70 will help deepen grassroots development and participation,” Gwarzo said.
He also declared Kano’s support for restructuring efforts across the country, saying:
“Kano identifies with the yearnings of various communities for restructuring and therefore supports the creation of new states, provided such moves comply with Section 8 of the Constitution. We also strongly advocate the creation of 26 additional local governments in Kano to meet the aspirations of our people.”
According to Gwarzo, the proposals are the result of widespread consultations involving community members, traditional leaders, and civil society groups.
The memorandum was endorsed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf following an extensive grassroots engagement process coordinated by a 22-member stakeholders’ committee.
Public input was gathered through radio phone-in programmes and an open public forum held at the historic Mambayya House, once the home of the late Mallam Aminu Kano.
Aside requesting more local governments and a new state, Kano also called for firm constitutional recognition of local governments as a fully independent third tier of government.
Proposed amendments target Sections 2(2), 7, and 162(5) of the 1999 Constitution to ensure fiscal autonomy and improved accountability.
“Kano notes the subtle exclusion of local governments in the existing federal structure. We advocate for reforms that grant them proper constitutional footing, with safeguards for accountability and strategic synergy with state objectives,” Gwarzo told the committee.
On the issue of national security, Kano threw its weight behind the creation of state police, calling it a needed complement to the Nigeria Police Force in the face of growing security threats. However, the state emphasized the need for clear lines of authority and inter-agency coordination.
“Kano believes that while state police will close glaring security gaps, there must be defined areas of operational competence between it and the national police,” the memorandum stated.
Kano also proposed enhancing the constitutional role of traditional rulers, urging protection for their selection process from political interference.
The state further recommended the formation of a National Council of Traditional Rulers, to be made up of chairpersons of state councils of chiefs, with a mandate to advise the Federal Government on national affairs.
Kano pushes for new state, 26 more LGAs in constitution review proposal
