Kano Governor orders probe into alleged ₦1.5bn salary deductions from civil servants by former head of service
Kola Oyelere Kano
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Farouq Ibrahim, to constitute a committee to investigate allegations of ₦1.5 billion deducted from civil servants’ salaries under a former Head of Service. Alhaji Abdullahi Musa
The governor issued the directive on Friday during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Kano, responding to concerns raised by the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Kabir Inuwa.
“I have directed the SSG to set up a committee to investigate the alleged diversion of ₦1.5 billion levelled against the former Head of Service,” Yusuf said, assuring workers that anyone found culpable would face sanctions and be compelled to refund the funds.
The directive followed allegations by organised labour that the sum was unlawfully deducted from workers’ wages.
The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to accountability and protection of workers’ rights.
Addressing workers at the event, Yusuf described labour as the “engine room of governance and development,” noting that mental well-being, job security, and fair wages are critical to productivity.
He said the government would continue to prioritise economic empowerment, improved security, and human capital development to address poverty and workplace challenges.
The governor disclosed that his administration inherited over ₦48 billion in unpaid gratuities and death benefits, adding that ₦32 billion had so far been settled. He pledged to clear the outstanding liabilities before the end of his tenure.
Yusuf also highlighted measures aimed at improving workers’ welfare, including prompt salary payments and implementation of a ₦71,000 minimum wage, making Kano one of the first states in the country to adopt the new pay structure.
Other initiatives, he said, include the establishment of the Local Government Service Commission, retirement training programmes, and an increase in the minimum pension from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000.
In his remarks, the NLC chairman,Comrade Kabir Inuwa, commended the administration for its worker-friendly policies, particularly the settlement of pension backlogs and regular payment of salaries.
He, however, reiterated the need for transparency in addressing allegations affecting workers’ earnings.
Comrade Inuwa then urged the state government to unraveling the circumstances leading to an allegations levelled against the former head of civil servants Alhaji Abdullahi Musa
According to him” there is need to set up a high power investigation committee to unraveling the allegations of salary deductions of N1.5 billion from the state civil servants”
The Workers’ Day celebration, held under the theme of insecurity, poverty, and decent work, drew participation from labour unions and government officials, with calls for sustained efforts to improve working conditions and safeguard the dignity of labour in Kano State.