The Secretary to the Kano State Government (SSG), Umar Faruk Ibrahim, has clarified that the controversy surrounding the alleged pilferage of N1.5billion from workers’ salaries did not involve any government official, but rather loan vendors.
Speaking at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Workers’ Day Award Night held on Friday at the Government House, Kano, the SSG said the findings of a government committee, supported by an independent audit firm, revealed that the discrepancies arose from excessive deductions by loan vendors from the salaries of affected workers.
According to him, the vendors deducted amounts above what was due on loans obtained by civil servants, leading to 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 stated.
The SSG assured workers that all excess deductions would be refunded to the beneficiaries without delay, adding that the affected loan vendors had already agreed to reimburse the over deducted sums.
He reiterated the commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to protecting the welfare and financial interests of workers across the state.
The clarification comes amid Governor Yusuf’s earlier directive ordering an immediate investigation into allegations that over N1.5 billion meant for workers’ salaries was diverted during the tenure of a former Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa.
The governor issued the directive during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration in Kano, following allegations raised by the state Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa.
“I heard the allegation that a former Head of Service siphoned about N1.5billion.
Immediately, I summoned the Secretary to the State Government and directed that an investigative committee be constituted,” Governor Yusuf had said.
He also vowed that any individual found culpable in the matter would be made to face the full weight of the law and compelled to refund the funds.
The latest disclosure by the SSG appears to have provided clarity on the issue, shifting responsibility from former Head of civil service Abdullahi Musa to the loan vendors involved.
(News Fair)
