Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to change the title of Local Government “Chairman” to “Mayor.” In a post on his official Facebook page on Sunday, Sani argued that the current title does not adequately reflect the executive nature of the office.
Sani, known for his outspoken views on governance, stated that the title “Chairman” is more appropriate for a committee head and undermines the importance of the local government as the third tier of governance.
“The title of Local Government ‘Chairman’ should be changed to Mayor. This title of ‘Chairman’ doesn’t properly reflect an executive position and makes no sense,” he wrote.
According to the former lawmaker, adopting the term “Mayor,” a practice common in many democracies, would confer greater dignity on the office and align Nigeria’s local governance structure with international standards.
Sani’s comments come amid ongoing debates about local government autonomy, funding, and functionality in Nigeria. He maintained that the title of an office is crucial, as it shapes public perception and respect for the role.

