By Milcah Tanimu

The 44 local government areas (LGAs) in Kano State are in dispute with the state government regarding the latter’s insistence on compelling the LGAs to contribute 70% of the N27 billion allocated for its projects. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf recently initiated projects, including a three-layer interchange bridge and a clover leaf overpass bridge, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion, improving travel, beautifying the city, controlling pollution, and developing infrastructure.

An internal memo revealed that the cost of the Dan’agundi Junction flyover would be about N16 billion, with the payment to be shared in a 30/70 ratio between the state and the 44 local governments. The Tal’udu Junction flyover is estimated to cost over N11 billion, making a total of over N27 billion for the two projects. The LGAs and the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Kano State Chapter, have taken the matter to a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an ex-parte order to stop the state government from deducting funds for the projects.

The court has directed the state government to show cause within seven days why the ex-parte orders should not be granted. The LGAs argue that the state government should not control, manage, or disburse the funds and allocations belonging to the 44 LGAs in the Kano State Joint Local Account for the projects. The court has set the next hearing for January 11, 2024.”