Kano Govt Clarifies Governor’s Directive, Says Administration Not Grounded, Services Ongoing

The Kano State Government has dismissed claims circulating in sections of the media that a recent directive issued by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has grounded public administration in the state, describing such reports as misleading and lacking factual or legal basis.

In a statement issued on behalf of the state government, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, explained that the directive, which temporarily halted the forwarding of files from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to the Governor’s office, was issued towards the end of December during a critical fiscal transition period.

According to the statement, the timing coincided with the expiration of the state’s Appropriation Law for the outgoing fiscal year, while the new budget was still undergoing legislative consideration. Under such circumstances, the government noted that prudence, legality and adherence to due process required restraint in executive approvals, particularly those with financial implications.

“The directive was a responsible administrative and fiscal control measure aimed at preventing unauthorized expenditures, avoiding illegal financial commitments and shielding the state from future audit queries and legal liabilities,” the statement said. It emphasized that established public finance principles prohibit new spending commitments in the absence of a valid appropriation law.

The government further clarified that essential government functions have continued uninterrupted, stressing that critical sectors such as security, healthcare, education and sanitation remain fully operational under existing statutory provisions and standing approvals. The directive, it added, only placed a temporary pause on new discretionary matters being escalated to the Governor’s office pending alignment with the new fiscal framework.

The statement also noted that the measure was intended to strengthen institutional governance by discouraging end-of-year rush approvals, a practice that often undermines transparency and fiscal discipline.

Describing reports of administrative paralysis as unfortunate, the government maintained that the action taken by Governor Yusuf reflects foresight, discipline and respect for the rule of law key attributes of responsible leadership.

The Kano State Government assured the public that once transitional administrative reviews are concluded, further directives will be issued to guide the next phase of executive operations.

It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, effective service delivery and the prudent management of public resources in the best interest of the people of Kano State.