The Kano State House of Assembly has passed a bill granting the state government the authority to establish its own police force.
The House Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, said the move followed the adoption of amendments made by the House of Representatives to facilitate the establishment of state police across the country.
In a related development, the assembly has approved a proposal by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to reduce the state’s 2026 budget to reflect changes in its revenue projections.
The state had initially approved a budget of N1.477 trillion for 2026.
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However, the assembly said a decline in federal allocations following changes to the tax laws had necessitated a downward review of the budget.
The revised budget was reduced from N1.477 trillion to N1.222 trillion and approved by the assembly to align government spending with the state’s current revenue outlook.
What You Should Know
The Kano State government is moving forward with plans to run its own police force to improve local security. Alongside this, lawmakers have reduced the state’s 2026 budget by over N250 billion because they expect to receive less money from federal allocations due to recent changes in tax laws.
- Positive Impact: A state-controlled police force could lead to quicker responses to local crime. Additionally, cutting the budget now helps the state avoid overspending and financial crises in the future.
- Potential Challenges: With a smaller budget, there may be less money available for new infrastructure projects or social services in 2026. Setting up and paying for a new police force will also be a major financial responsibility for the state.
