Gov Yusuf launches probe into salary underpayment, non-payment in Kano

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has inaugurated a high-powered investigative committee to unearth the root causes of the widespread reports of salary underpayment and non-payment affecting a number of the state’s civil servants.

This was just as he described the act as an unacceptable violation of workers’ rights and a betrayal of public trust, tasking the committee to investigate whether it is due to technical errors or deliberate human sabotage.

The committee has been given just seven days to complete its findings and submit a comprehensive report outlining those responsible, the extent of the financial malpractice, and lasting solutions to ensure the problem never recurs.

Inaugurating the committee on behalf of Governor Yusuf, the State Secretary to Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, on Thursday, vowed to expose and punish those responsible.

He added, “The era of shortchanging our workers is over. This is a government of accountability, and no one will be spared if found guilty.”

Governor Yusuf has assured civil servants that his administration is committed to justice, transparency, and the prompt payment of salaries, warning that anyone found guilty of exploiting workers will face severe consequences.

According to him, “This administration will not tolerate any act of injustice against our workers. Anyone found complicit in this reprehensible act will face the full wrath of the law.”

The committee has been directed to conduct a thorough audit of the state’s payroll from October 2024 to February 2025, identify affected workers, determine the financial impact, and recommend corrective and punitive actions.

The seven-member committee, chaired by Hon. Abdulkadir Abdussalam, Commissioner for Rural & Community Development and the immediate past State Accountant General, is made up of top government officials and financial experts with deep knowledge of payroll systems.

Speaking after the inauguration, the Commissioner, Ministry for Rural & Community Development, Hon. Abdulkadir Abdussalam, who doubled as the Chairman of the committee, promised to conduct the investigation judiciously.

He also assured that the committee will work assiduously in accordance with the time frame given to them.

Other members of the committee include:

1. Dr. Bashir Abdu Muzakkari – Member, Special Adviser on Digital Economy

2. Dr. Aliyu Isa Aliyu – Member, Director-General, Kano State Bureau of Statistics

3. Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali – Member, Director-General, Kano State Debt Management Office

4. Hajiya Zainab Abdulkadir – Member, Director, Kano State Computer Centre

5. Aliyu Muhammad Sani – Secretary, Director, Research & Evaluation, REPA Directorate, SSG’s Office

6. Ummulkulthum Ladan Kailani – Co-Secretary, Senior Assistant Secretary (AGS), Admin. & General Services Directorate, SSG’s Office

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