The Kano State Government has allegedly instructed each of the 44 local government areas in the state to contribute over N15.2 million—totalling N670 million—for the repair and purchase of vehicles for the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The directive was contained in a memo dated March 25, 2025, from the Ministry of Local Government with reference number MLG/INSP/LGD/166T/6.
It was addressed to all local government chairmen and signed by Abubakar S. Dabo, Director of Local Government Inspection, on behalf of the Commissioner.
According to the memo, the funds will be deducted from the State/Local Government Joint Account and paid to Sottom Synergy Resources Ltd to refurbish two vintage vehicles and supply four brand-new vehicles to the Kano Emirate Council.
A palace source who confirmed the authenticity of the memo to The Punch disclosed, “The company has already been contacted, and plans are in motion to bring in the vehicles and begin the restoration of the vintage ones.”
The detailed breakdown includes N25 million each for the refurbishment of a 1993 Fleetwood Cadillac limousine and a 1998 Daimler D5 420.
The new vehicles listed are a Toyota Hilux pickup (2024) and Toyota Hiace Bus, each at N98 million; a Toyota Land Cruiser VXR full option (2024) at N268 million; and a Prado 2024 model at N156 million.
The letter was also copied to the Auditor General for Local Government and all zonal inspectors of the Ministry, with a directive to ensure strict compliance with financial procedures.
The development has drawn criticism from various quarters, including a senior chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Alhassan Yaryasa, who called the move insensitive.
“How can the state government approve this huge amount of money while the residents of the state capital and some other major towns in the state are grappling with water scarcity?” he asked.
“This is a complete misplacement of priority. How can you spend this money on repairs and purchase of new vehicles for the Emir while other sectors need government attention, especially education and health sectors that have suffered neglect?”
Yaryasa, who served as a former coordinator of the Tinubu Campaign Organisation in Kano South, urged Governor Abba Yusuf to redirect the funds.
“Emir Sanusi does not need new posh cars. Where are the ones he has been using since returning? This is a wasteful expenditure and Kano masses will not forgive them,” he added.
