Kano Govt Moves Against Former HoS Over ₦1.5bn Salary Controversy

Kano Govt Moves Against Former HoS Over ₦1.5bn Salary Controversy

By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul

KANO —- Kano State Government, on Friday ordered an investigation into alleged ₦1.5 billion deductions from civil servants’ salaries, reportedly linked to a former Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf issued the directive on Friday during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Kano, following concerns raised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

“I have directed the Secretary to the State Government to set up a committee to investigate the alleged diversion of ₦1.5 billion levelled against the former Head of Service,” Yusuf said.

He assured workers that anyone found culpable would face sanctions and be made to refund the funds, stressing his administration’s commitment to accountability and protection of workers’ rights.

The directive followed complaints by organised labour over alleged unlawful deductions from workers’ wages.

NLC State Chairman, Comrade Kabir Inuwa, welcomed the move but called for a thorough investigation.

Kabir Inuwa said, “There is need for a high-powered committee to unravel the circumstances surrounding the ₦1.5 billion deduction from civil servants’ salaries”.

Governor Yusuf, while addressing workers at the event, described labour as the “engine room of governance and development,” adding that his administration remains committed to fair wages, job security, and workers’ welfare.

Yusuf also disclosed that the state inherited over ₦48 billion in unpaid gratuities and death benefits, noting that ₦32 billion has already been paid, while pledging to clear the remaining backlog.

The governor further stressed that ongoing reforms, including implementation of a ₦71,000 minimum wage, pension adjustments, and institutional reforms aimed at improving service delivery in the state.