Headlines
Gov Yusuf approves additional N5bn for gratuity payment

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Determined to establish a sustainable and conducive living environment for retirees, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has allocated additional five billion Naira for the disbursement of a second installment of gratuity to retired workers in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that Governor Yusuf announced this decision Wednesday at the commencement of the fourteenth Kano State Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chamber, Government House, Kano.
It is worth noting that last year, the government disbursed six billion naira to settle outstanding payments for thousands of retirees who had not received their entitlements during the previous eight years of the immediate past administration.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Yusuf emphasized that these payments were made to support retirees and bring joy to their lives, as many had endured years of waiting without receiving their rightful dues despite their dedicated service to the state during their working years.
“We are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of civil servants and retirees in the state,” the Governor said.
Governor Yusuf also discussed the preparations for clearing drainages in the Kano metropolis in anticipation of the rainy season and instructed the interim management officers of local governments to make similar arrangements. A high-powered committee, led by the Deputy Governor, has been established to oversee the desilting of drainages across all 44 local governments to prevent flooding during the rainy season.
He earnestly urged the people of the state to be patient as the government works tirelessly to address the challenges of water scarcity in Kano despite facing mechanical issues and inconsistent power supply that hinder the smooth operation of the state Water Board.
Governor Yusuf expressed his gratitude to the people of the state for their support to his administration and assured them of his unwavering commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises to enhance the prosperity and well-being of Kano State.
Furthermore, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, presented an Award of Excellence bestowed upon the governor by the National Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria (NACPHPN) in recognition of his efforts to improve the sector.

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).
