Emir Sanusi Urges Nigerian Leaders to Adopt Policies That Reduce Poverty

KANO, Nigeria – The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on Nigerian leaders to prioritise economic policies that improve the welfare of citizens, stressing that government policies should be measured by their impact on reducing poverty and improving living standards.

Speaking at a conference in Kano on Thursday through his representative, the Danmadamin Kano and Professor of Economics at Bayero University, Kano, Abubakar Aliyu Sanusi, the monarch described the gathering as timely in light of Nigeria's current economic and political challenges.

Sanusi said the effectiveness of any economic policy should be judged by the extent to which it improves the quality of life of ordinary Nigerians.

"Economic policies should be assessed based on their impact on the welfare of citizens. Any economic policy that does not improve the welfare of the people is inherently ineffective," the emir said.

He urged policymakers to focus on strategies that reduce poverty, raise living standards and promote inclusive economic growth across the country.

The traditional ruler also called on Nigeria's leaders to learn from history, strengthen democratic institutions and uphold justice, arguing that sustainable national development cannot be achieved without addressing longstanding structural challenges.

According to him, insecurity, corruption, poverty and inadequate infrastructure remain among the country's most pressing problems and require decisive action from those in government.

Sanusi further appealed to political leaders to move away from self-serving politics and place greater emphasis on competence, integrity and public service.

"Power-sharing should not only be about geographical rotation but about ensuring that credible, competent and compassionate leaders emerge to serve the people," he said.

The emir also urged Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic, religious or political backgrounds, to embrace unity, tolerance and collective responsibility in the effort to build a more stable and prosperous nation.

While acknowledging the progress Nigeria has made since independence, Sanusi noted that the country continues to grapple with political instability, ethnic and religious divisions, insecurity and economic hardship.