Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and prominent figure in the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has voiced serious concerns over what he views as attempts by Lagos-based interests to extend significant influence over northern Nigeria.
At a convocation ceremony at Skyline University in Kano, Kwankwaso spoke passionately about what he described as the “colonization” of Kano’s governance, economic framework, and traditional leadership.
Kwankwaso expressed his worries that powerful influences from Lagos are undermining Kano’s autonomy, especially with respect to its traditional institutions. According to Kwankwaso, the selection of the Emir of Kano has become increasingly subject to external interference. He alleged that decisions affecting the emirate’s leadership are being influenced, if not outright dictated, by individuals and groups from Lagos, thereby diminishing the emir’s authority and independence.
“The situation in Kano and northern Nigeria is very concerning,” Kwankwaso said. “Our respected emir is being reduced to a figurehead in his own land, with his role as a traditional leader overshadowed by powerful figures from Lagos. Currently, Lagos-based interests exert strong influence on who can become the emir, stripping our people of the right to choose their leaders.”
Beyond traditional governance, Kwankwaso argued that Lagos’ influence extends to Kano’s economic policies and tax regulations. He asserted that young professionals and tax agencies from Lagos are intensifying efforts to impose and redirect tax revenues away from Kano to Lagos. He pointed to how taxes on telecommunications services, even when registered in Kano, are increasingly diverted to Lagos. Kwankwaso noted that these shifts in tax revenue drain northern states’ financial resources, which are crucial for development.
Kwankwaso further emphasized the challenges faced by northern business owners. “Many of our local entrepreneurs, factory owners, and banks operating here are pressured to establish headquarters in Lagos. This move not only transfers tax revenue to Lagos but deprives our region of vital resources that could spur local growth,” he noted.
The former Minister of Defense called on northern lawmakers to remain vigilant and resist legislative actions that might undermine the region’s interests. He warned against policies favoring offshore economic arrangements, arguing they have historically disadvantaged northern Nigeria. Reflecting on earlier years, Kwankwaso recalled instances where northern representatives, under pressure, approved economic policies that led to substantial financial losses for the region.
“We all remember what happened around 1999 to 2000, when lawmakers from our region were influenced, even allegedly bribed, to support offshore agreements that drained resources from northern Nigeria. Such policies had long-lasting negative impacts on our economy, and we must ensure that history does not repeat itself,” Kwankwaso urged.
In his address, Kwankwaso encouraged northern leaders to stand firm in defending the region’s interests. He cautioned that unity among northern lawmakers is essential to safeguard against legislation that could compromise the political and economic independence of the northern states, particularly as external influence continues to grow.
