Kano govt dismisses claims of administrative shutdown over file directive
Kola Oyelere, Kano
The Kano state government has dismissed reports suggesting that a recent directive by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, instructing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to temporarily halt the forwarding of files to his office, has grounded public administration in the state.
However, a statement
signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar F. Ibrahim,a copy made available on Saturday to press in Kano said , the government described the claims as incorrect, misleading and lacking both factual and legal basis.
According to the statement, the directive was issued towards the end of December, a period when the state’s Appropriation Law for the outgoing fiscal year was nearing expiration, while the new budget was still undergoing legislative consideration.
The government explained that under such circumstances, prudence and adherence to due process require restraint in granting executive approvals, particularly those with financial implications.
The government stressed that the measure was a responsible administrative and fiscal control step aimed at preventing unauthorised expenditures, avoiding illegal financial commitments and shielding the state from future audit queries and legal liabilities.
“It is a well-established principle of public finance that no new spending commitments should be undertaken in the absence of a valid appropriation law,” the statement noted.
Contrary to allegations of administrative paralysis, the government maintained that public administration has continued uninterrupted.
It said essential services in critical sectors such as security, healthcare, education and sanitation have remained fully operational under existing statutory provisions and standing approvals.
The statement clarified that the directive only placed a temporary pause on the escalation of new discretionary matters to the governor’s office, pending further guidance in line with the new fiscal framework.
The government added that the decision also strengthens institutional governance by allowing MDAs to operate strictly within their lawful mandates and discouraging the culture of end-of-year rush approvals that often undermine transparency and fiscal discipline.
Describing the misrepresentation of the directive as unfortunate, the Kano State Government said the action reflected foresight, discipline and respect for the rule of law, which are essential qualities for responsible leadership.
The public was assured that once the ongoing transitional administrative reviews are concluded, fresh directives would be issued to guide the next phase of executive operations.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, effective service delivery and the prudent management of public resources in the best interest of the people of Kano State.