It’s ‘unfair, illegal’ – Kano govt slams FG on sharing formula of N500bn palliatives

• Kano govt faulted mode of distribution
• It noted that the sharing formula heavily favours Lagos and other southern states
• The state govt pledged to support Cooperative Societies

The Kano State Government has expressed its dissatisfaction with the mode of sharing the Federal Government N500 billion allocation to businesses.

The state governor, Abba Yusuf, faulted the distribution of the fund through the Bank of Industry to support small-scale industries across the country’s geopolitical zones.

Governor Yusuf voiced his grievances during a meeting with representatives from the Kano Cooperative Society at the Government House on Thursday evening.

He disclosed that the distribution was heavily lopsided, with Lagos State receiving 47 per cent of the allocation, followed by the South-South Zone with 17%, and other regions receiving significantly lower percentages.

Yusuf described the distribution mode as “unfair, unconstitutional, and illegal”. He called on relevant authorities and members of the National Assembly to look into the situation and take appropriate action against those responsible.

He said the state government would support Cooperative Societies in their efforts to alleviate poverty and regain their influence.

The meeting was part of activities to mark the 2023 International Day of Cooperatives.

Yusuf, represented by his Deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, reiterated his administration’s primary goal of eradicating poverty in Kano state.

In a statement on Friday by the deputy governor’s spokesman, Ibrahim Shuaibu, Gwarzo emphasized the importance of Cooperative Societies as vehicles through which citizens can improve their lives and contribute to the overall development of their community and the nation.

Yusuf announced that the state government would engage cooperative societies in designing poverty eradication and sustainable development programs.

“Furthermore, committees would be established to review the activities of Cooperative Desk Officers in each Local Government Area, while desk officers would be introduced in major markets such as Dawanau, Kantin Kwari, Yan Lemo to guide and support cooperative activities,” he said.