In a bold move to address the growing crisis of unpaid and underpaid salaries among civil servants, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has launched a high-powered investigation into the irregularities plaguing the state’s payroll system. The governor described the situation as a “grave violation of workers’ rights” and vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
A Crisis of Trust
Reports have surfaced that some civil servants in Kano State have gone months without receiving their salaries, while others have been paid less than their rightful earnings. Governor Yusuf, visibly angered by these developments, declared that such acts of financial injustice would not be tolerated under his administration.
“This administration will not tolerate any form of injustice against our workers. Anyone found complicit in this reprehensible act will face the full wrath of the law,” he stated during a press briefing on Thursday.
Investigative Committee Inaugurated
To tackle the issue head-on, Governor Yusuf has established a seven-member investigative committee tasked with uncovering the root causes of the salary discrepancies. The committee, chaired by Hon. Abdulkadir Abdussalam, Commissioner for Rural & Community Development and former State Accountant General, includes top government officials and financial experts with deep knowledge of payroll systems.
Other members of the committee are:
Dr. Bashir Abdu Muzakkari, Special Adviser on Digital Economy
Dr. Aliyu Isa Aliyu, Director-General of the Kano State Bureau of Statistics
Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali, Director-General of the Kano State Debt Management Office
Hajiya Zainab Abdulkadir, Director of the Kano State Computer Centre
Aliyu Muhammad Sani, Director of Research & Evaluation at the REPA Directorate under the SSG’s Office (Secretary)
Ummulkulthum Ladan Kailani, Senior Assistant Secretary in the Admin. & General Services Directorate, SSG’s Office (Co-Secretary)
The committee has been given a seven-day deadline to conduct a comprehensive audit of the state’s payroll from October 2024 to February 2025. Their mandate includes identifying affected workers, quantifying financial losses, and recommending both corrective and punitive measures.
A Commitment to Justice and Transparency
Governor Yusuf reassured civil servants of his administration’s commitment to justice and transparency, emphasizing that those exploiting workers would face severe consequences.
“The era of shortchanging our workers is over. This is a government of accountability, and no one will be spared if found guilty,” he warned.
The governor’s decisive action has raised hopes among Kano State workers that the probe will expose entrenched payroll fraud, restore confidence in the wage system, and ensure timely payment of salaries in the future.
What’s Next?
With the committee set to begin its work immediately, all eyes are on the findings and recommendations that will emerge within the seven-day timeframe. The outcome of the investigation is expected to shed light on whether the salary discrepancies were due to technical glitches or deliberate sabotage.
For Kano State civil servants, this intervention represents a glimmer of hope after months of financial uncertainty. For the government, it is an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to accountability and good governance.
Key Takeaways
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has ordered a probe into unpaid and underpaid salaries of civil servants.
A seven-member investigative committee has been inaugurated to audit the state’s payroll from October 2024 to February 2025.
The committee has seven days to submit a comprehensive report and recommend corrective measures.
Governor Yusuf vowed to hold those responsible accountable and restore workers’ trust in the system.
The move is part of the administration’s commitment to justice, transparency, and accountability.
