The Kano State Government has said loan vendors, not public officials, were responsible for the controversial N1.5 billion over-deduction from workers’ salaries.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, stated this on Friday at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Workers’ Day Award Night held at the Government House, Kano.
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He said findings of a government committee, backed by an independent audit firm, showed that the discrepancies arose from excessive deductions by loan vendors from civil servants who had obtained loans.
Ibrahim explained that the vendors deducted more than what was due, leading to the controversy.
“The committee’s report, which was verified by a private audit firm, showed clearly that no government official was involved. The problem was caused by loan vendors who over-deducted from workers’ salaries,” he said.
The SSG assured that all excess deductions would be refunded, adding that the vendors involved had agreed to reimburse the affected workers.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to protecting workers’ welfare and financial rights.
The clarification follows an earlier directive by Governor Yusuf ordering an 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 had given the directive during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration in Kano after the allegation was raised by the state NLC chairman, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa.
“I heard the allegation that a former Head of Service siphoned about N1.5 billion. I immediately directed the SSG to set up a committee to investigate the matter,” the governor said.
He added that anyone found culpable would face legal action and be made to refund the money.
The SSG’s latest clarification appears to have shifted responsibility from the former Head of Service to the loan vendors involved.
