Headlines
Dangote’s Pan-African drive will benefit AFCFTA – KACCIMA

….as KACCIMA honors Dangote
Mukhtar Yahaya Usman

The interim Chairman, Management Committee of the Kano Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) Malam Ahmed Aminu has said that the pan-African drive shown by the Dangote Group will benefit the Africa Continental and Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA).
KANO FOCUS reports that Dangote has been consistent in the sponsorship of the Kano International Trade Fair.
Aminu, who was speaking at the Dangote Special Day at the Kano International Trade Fair said the Pan-African company can drive the AFCFTA to success, through its presence in several African countries.
He said the industrialization of Africa is now paramount and that the Dangote Group should be rallied and commended for it belief in Africa.
This is coming as the company was named the most consistent and supportive partner of the year.
He added that the Dangote Refinery will revive Nigeria’s status as the ‘Giant of Africa’.
The Dangote refinery is adjudged to be the Single-largest Train Refinery in the Word with the capacity to churn 650,000 barrels per day, BPD,
Mr. Ahmed added that the company is also helping Nigeria mitigate the ravaging poverty through job creation and corporate social interventions.
Speaking, the representative of the Dangote Group Aliyu Da’u Aliyu, said the company is desirous of setting the tone for Africa’s Industrialization hence it positive stance on AfCFTA.
“We are optimistic that AFCFTA will offer the long-awaited opportunity and make it easier for African businesses to trade within the continent and benefit from the huge African market of over one billion people.
He congratulated the Council Members for their recent appointments, and for organizing the 43rd edition of the Trade Fair, said to host no fewer than 50 foreign companies and 1000 local companies.
Earlier, the Emirs of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero; Karaye, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar ll, and Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir as well as District Heads visited the Dangote pavilion with their separate occasions and commended the Group for its contribution to economic growth.
Dangote’s business interests include cement, sugar refining, salt and seasoning, tomato and rice farming, Infrastructure, Real Estate, Packaging, Logistics, automotive, Training Academy, Oil, and Gas, and fertilizer, among others.

Headlines
Salary fraud: Kano uncovers N28m in local government payroll

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has uncovered irregularities in the payroll system of local government councils, as no fewer than 247 staff members were discovered to have either retired from service or died.
KANO FOCUS reports that the discovery revealed that the names of the affected local government staff have been appearing in the payroll and their salaries are running.
A statement by the Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State GovernmenMusa Tanko Muhammad, said these fraudulent salary payments amount to a sum of ₦27,824,395.40 for March 2025 alone.
“In a decisive move towards cleansing the state payroll, the Kano State Government has recorded a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to reform the salary administration system within the state civil service.

“Arising from the validation exercise, a disturbing irregularity was uncovered within the payroll system of local government councils.
“The findings revealed that 247 individuals have either retired from service or died yet, have been appearing in the payroll and their salaries running. These fraudulent salary payments amount to a sum of ₦27,824,395.40 for the month of March, 2025 alone.
“In a prompt and effective response and while further due diligence is being conducted to determine the extent of this apparent fraud and the perpetrators, the amount has been recovered and returned to the Local Government Treasury,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the recovery underscores the administration’s dedication at entrenching governance, transparency, and responsible management of public resources.
“The government remains resolute in its commitment to purging the payroll system of irregularities.
“Individuals found to be involved in this fraudulent activity will be identified and held fully accountable in accordance with the law,” the statement added.

Headlines
Governor Yusuf Signs Laws Establishing Four New Agencies in Kano

Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed into law four landmark bills that establish new agencies designed to strengthen institutional frameworks and accelerate sustainable development across the state.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
The newly signed laws provide for the establishment of the following agencies:
1. Kano State Protection Agency (KASPA)

2. Kano State Signage and
Advertisement Agency (KASIAA)
3. Kano State Information and Communication Technologies Development Agency (KASITDA)
4. Kano State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (KASMEDA)
These laws, which are now part of the Kano State legal framework, are expected to stimulate innovation, support small businesses, regulate signage and advertising, and enhance public protection and service delivery.
Governor Yusuf described the signing as a significant step toward realizing his administration’s vision of a modern, inclusive, and economically vibrant Kano.
He emphasized that the new agencies will play a crucial role in job creation, investment attraction, and the efficient implementation of government initiatives.
“Our mission is to lay a solid foundation for a greater Kano. These laws go beyond policy — they are key instruments of transformation that will help drive our development agenda,” the Governor stated.
He also issued a strong warning that violations of the provisions of these laws will be met with strict penalties, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring compliance.
The establishment of these agencies reflects Governor Yusuf’s continued efforts to reform public institutions, improve governance, and position Kano as a leading center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.

Headlines
UTME: Kano suspends end of month sanitation exercise

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
In a bid to ensure the smooth conduct of the ongoing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, the Kano State Government has temporarily suspended the April 2025, End of month sanitation exercise.
KANO FOCUS reports that this decision was taken after careful consideration and consultation with relevant stakeholders, in an effort to allow students of Kano State to write their examination without any hitches.

In a statement issued by the Director Public Enlightenment of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ismail Garba Gwammaja has quoted the Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Dahiru M. Hashim saying that:
“The suspension is aimed at preventing any potential disruptions to the examination process and ensuring that candidates can sit for their exams without any hindrance.”
The Commissioner assured residents that the suspension is temporary for this month, and that the sanitation exercise will resume in its full force next month May 2025, in the state.
The Commissioner however, appeals to residents to cooperate with the authorities and understand the rationale behind this decision.
“We are committed to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that our sanitation activities do not conflict with other important events in the state,” the commissioner said.
While Commending the residents for their understanding and cooperation to the present administration, urged them to continue to avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste and cooperates with our sanitation staff to ensure clean and healthy environment always, and pray for the successful conduct of students who will sit for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
