I did not know poverty until I became Emir – Sanusi

Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor and Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has revealed that his experience as a traditional ruler exposed him to the harsh realities of poverty in Nigeria. Speaking in Abuja at a public lecture marking the 60th birthday of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, Sanusi admitted that while he understood economic data during his time in government, he didn’t fully grasp the severity of poverty until he became Emir.

“As an economist and former CBN Governor, I saw the numbers. But I did not know poverty until I became Emir,” he said.

Sanusi described the dire conditions in rural communities, including unsafe drinking water, dilapidated schools, and lack of access to healthcare. He questioned the priorities of Nigeria’s leaders who, he noted, focus on urban infrastructure while neglecting basic needs in rural areas. “Do we actually love the people or do we just love ruling over them?” he asked.

He urged political leaders to adopt people-centred policies and govern with empathy.