Loan vendors responsible for N1.5bn salary over-deductions, Says Kano SSG
Kola Oyelere Kano
The Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, has stated that loan vendors—not government officials—were responsible for the alleged over-deduction of N1.5 billion from civil servants’ salaries in the state.
It will be recalled that the clarification follows an earlier directive by the governor ordering an investigation into allegations that more than N1.5 billion meant for workers’ salaries had been diverted during the tenure of a former Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa.
Governor Yusuf had issued the directive during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration after concerns were raised by the state Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa.
“I heard the allegation that a former Head of Service siphoned about N1.5 billion. Immediately, I summoned the Secretary to the State Government and directed that an investigative committee be constituted,” the governor said at the time.
He had also vowed that anyone found culpable would face legal consequences and be required to refund the funds.
However, Alhaji Ibrahim made the clarification during the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Workers’ Day Award Night held on Friday at the Government House in Kano.
He explained that findings from a government investigative committee, supported by an independent audit, showed that the discrepancies were caused by excessive deductions carried out by loan vendors.
According to the SSG, the vendors deducted amounts beyond what was required to service loans obtained by workers, resulting in the controversy.
“The report of the committee, which was further verified by a private audit firm, clearly indicated that no government official was involved. The issue was caused by loan vendors who over-deducted from the salaries of workers,” he said.
He assured affected workers that all excess deductions would be refunded promptly, noting that the loan vendors involved had already agreed to reimburse the over-deducted sums.
Ibrahim also reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to safeguarding the welfare and financial interests of workers in the state.
The latest disclosure by the SSG provides clarity on the matter, attributing the over-deductions to loan vendors rather than government officials.