The Secretary to the Kano State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, has clarified that the controversy surrounding the alleged N1.5 billion deduction 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 in Kano, Ibrahim said findings by a government investigative committee—supported by an independent audit firm—revealed that the discrepancies stemmed from excessive deductions by loan vendors.
According to him, the vendors deducted amounts exceeding what was due on loans obtained by civil servants, thereby triggering the controversy.
“The report of the committee, 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 workers’ salaries,” he stated.
The SSG assured workers that all excess deductions would be refunded promptly, 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 safeguarding the welfare and financial interests of workers across the state.
The clarification follows an earlier directive by Governor Yusuf ordering an immediate investigation into allegations that over N1.5 billion meant for workers’ salaries had been 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 after allegations 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 had said.
He also vowed that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law and be compelled to refund the funds.
The latest disclosure by the SSG appears to have clarified the issue, shifting responsibility from the former Head of Service to the loan vendors involved.
