Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has ordered a probe into the alleged deduction of N1.5 billion from civil servants’ salaries in the state, directing the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Farouq Ibrahim, to constitute an investigative committee.
The governor gave the directive on Friday at the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, following concerns raised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) .
Gov. Yusuf said the committee would investigate allegations of diversion of the funds under a former Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, assuring workers that anyone found culpable would face appropriate sanctions and be made to refund the money.
“I have directed the SSG to set up a committee to investigate the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion levelled against the former head of service,” he said.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to accountability and the protection of workers’ rights, describing labour as the engine room of governance and development.
He stressed that workers’ welfare, including mental well-being, job security and fair remuneration, remains critical to enhancing productivity.
Gov. Yusuf disclosed that his administration inherited over N48 billion in unpaid gratuities and death benefits, adding that N32 billion had so far been cleared.
He pledged to settle the outstanding liabilities before the end of his tenure.
Also, he highlighted measures taken to improve workers’ welfare, including prompt salary payments and implementation of the N71,000 minimum wage, positioning Kano State among the early adopters of the new pay structure.
Other initiatives, according to him, include the establishment of the local government service commission, retirement training programmes and an increase in the minimum pension from N5,000 to N20,000.
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The state NLC Chairman, Kabiru Inuwa, commended the government for regular salary payments and efforts in settling pension backlogs.
He, however, called for transparency in addressing the alleged salary deductions and urged the government to investigate the matter thoroughly and recover any misappropriated funds.
Inuwa also appealed to the government to address disparities between state and local government workers and improve overall working conditions in the state.
