KNSG refutes N1.8bn mismanagement allegations against former HoS, orders refund to workers

Kano, Nigeria — May 4, 2026

The Kano State Government has dismissed allegations of N1.8 billion mismanagement against the immediate past Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, describing the claims as misinformation.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Farouk Ibrahim, clarified the issue following a directive by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to investigate the matter raised during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration.

According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, the controversy stemmed from allegations made by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kano State, Kabiru Inuwa, who accused the former Head of Service of mismanaging state funds.

However, the SSG explained that the N1.8 billion in question was not misappropriated by government officials but resulted from excessive deductions made from civil servants’ salaries by loan vendors.

He disclosed that the state government engaged an independent auditing firm to review the payroll system and examine the accounts of affected workers during the period under review.

According to Ibrahim, the audit revealed that several loan vendors charged rates far above agreed terms, leading to the illegal accrual of over N1.8 billion from civil servants.

The SSG further stated that the loan scheme has been temporarily suspended to allow for a comprehensive investigation.

Based on the findings, the Kano State Government has directed the loan vendors to refund the N1.8 billion, which will be redistributed to the affected civil servants.

The government reiterated its commitment to protecting workers’ welfare and ensuring transparency in public sector financial processes.