Kaduna and Kano States have put forward ambitious reform proposals during the North West Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution, calling for genuine federalism, resource control, the establishment of additional administrative units, and stronger grassroots participation.
The hearing, held on Saturday at the Gen. Hassan Katsina House in Kaduna, gathered stakeholders from Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States, including civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and government officials.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, criticised the current highly centralised federal structure, arguing that it hinders development and distances citizens from governance.
“Our current arrangement does not reflect the principle of subsidiarity,” he said, calling for a constitutional framework that allows states full control of natural resources within their territories and the right to legislate on local matters.
He also pushed for the creation of state police, noting that his previous advocacy in the 9th Senate was hindered by political disagreement. “Security cannot be national if it is not local. Kaduna is ready to support constitutional amendments to establish state police,” he stated.
Governor Sani further demanded independence for the judiciary, INEC, and anti-corruption agencies, and advocated for affirmative action to enhance women’s political participation. He also called for formal constitutional roles for traditional rulers, whom he described as “vital actors in grassroots governance.”
Kano State, in its submission, demanded the creation of a new state and 26 additional local government areas to increase its current LGAs from 44 to 70. The submission was presented by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and signed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“We strongly advocate for restructuring and align with the national call for the creation of more states, provided they meet the criteria of Section 8 of the Constitution,” Gwarzo said.
Kano State also called for full constitutional autonomy for local governments, recommending amendments to Sections 2(2), 7, and 162(5) to formally recognise and strengthen LGAs as an independent tier of government.
The state supported the creation of state police but emphasised the need for clear jurisdictional boundaries between federal and state security agencies. Additionally, Kano proposed establishing a National Council of Traditional Rulers to advise the federal government and shield traditional institutions from political interference.
On fiscal restructuring, Kano advocated reducing the Federal Government’s revenue allocation from 52.68% to 40%, while increasing the shares for states and local governments to 35% and 25% respectively to foster equity and balanced development.
The state further reaffirmed its commitment to gender equity by backing legislative measures to enhance women’s participation in politics and governance.
Meanwhile, Katsina State, represented by its Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Fadila Mohammed Dikko, outlined reform proposals centred on fiscal federalism, strengthening institutions, and promoting inclusive governance.
