Kano, Kaduna, Katsina lead as northwest states receive N175.6 billion LG allocation in two months

By solacebase.com On May 12, 2025

Kano, Kaduna, Katsina , northwest states ,allocation, — Kano, Kaduna, Katsina lead as northwest states receive N175.6 billion LG allocation in two months

By Aminu Abubakar

Local government councils in all Northwest Nigerian states received N175.6 billion allocation between January and February 2025, SolaceBase checks on the data published by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation show.

Kano State received the highest allocation in the region, with N23.3 billion in February, up from N19.5 billion in January. Kaduna followed with N13.6 billion, compared to N11.6 billion the previous month.

Jigawa State saw its allocation rise from N10.6 billion in January to N12.7 billion in February, while Katsina’s allocation grew from N14 billion to N16.7 billion. Kebbi State received N10.1 billion in February, an increase from N8.4 billion the previous month.

February’s allocation report shows that Sokoto received N11.5 billion, while Zamfara got N7.8 billion. In January Zamfara State received N6.5 billion while Sokoto state got N9.3 billion.

The federal allocation figures for early 2025 revealed the top-earning local government areas (LGAs) in Jigawa, Kaduna, and Kano states, offering insights into revenue distribution and the administrative priorities of Northwestern Nigeria.

In Jigawa State, Birnin Kudu received the highest allocation in January 2025, with N522.3 million, followed by Gwaram with N495.3 million and Kafin Hausa with N487.1 million. Jahun and Bui completed the top five, receiving N444.5 million and N432.9 million, respectively.

Kaduna State’s highest recipient in January was Zaria LGA, which secured N612.4 million, narrowly ahead of Chikun with N607.8 million. Kaduna North received N589.5 million, while Kajuru and Zangon Kataf followed with N582.6 million and N563.3 million, respectively.

In Kano State, February 2025 figures showed Nasarawa LGA received the highest allocation in the region, with a significant N911 million, well ahead of Dala (N741 million), Gwale (N684 million), Kano Municipal (N676.5 million), and Ungogo (N671.1 million).

These figures suggest a prioritization of highly populated and economically active localities in federal disbursements. However, large allocations do not always translate into visible development, as many local governments in Northwestern Nigeria continue to grapple with longstanding structural and developmental challenges.

Despite substantial federal inflows, LGAs across the Northwest face several critical challenges that hinder effective service delivery and economic development:

The region continues to battle banditry, kidnappings, and communal violence. Some rural communities under these LGAs are struggling from displacement with interrupted farming and commercial activities, undermining the local economy.

Over time, rural areas in the Northwestern region of the country have also been stated as suffering from Inadequate healthcare facilities, while schools in many LGAs remain poorly maintained or underdeveloped. Allocated funds often fall short of bridging the infrastructure deficit, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas.

Accountability and transparency in the management of local government allocations remains a concern. Overtime there have been calls for autonomy for local government councils so as to ensure proper administration of resources, however despite a Supreme Court ruling ordering that monies meant for local governments be sent to them directly, there has been no actual autonomy for local governments.

Critics argue that local government autonomy is limited, with many LGAs still subject to heavy interference from state governments, which sometimes delay or divert funds.

On different occasions, different policy experts have suggested that increasing the efficiency and transparency of local governments is critical for improving the quality of life for millions in the region. Strengthening fiscal autonomy, enhancing local capacity, and involving communities in budgeting and monitoring processes are some steps that could lead to more inclusive and impactful governance.

As federal allocations for local governments continue to flow into the Northwest, the question remains: will these funds be leveraged to deliver real change, or will the cycle of underdevelopment and missed opportunities persist?