News
Salisu Mustapha Assumes Duty as Permanent Secretary in Kano SSG Office
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Alhaji Salisu Mustapha has assumed full responsibility as the Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services (AGS) Directorate, Office of the Secretary to the Kano State Government (SSG).
KANO FOCUS reports that Mustapha’s assumption of duty followed his recent redeployment from the Office of the Head of Civil Service, where he served as Permanent Secretary, Establishment Directorate.
A statement signed by Musa Tanko Muhammad, Press Secretary, Office of the SSG, Kano said Mustapha’s return to the Cabinet Office marks a return to an institution where he had previously served in the same capacity before his redeployment to the Office of the Head of Civil Service.
Although he resumed at the Office of the SSG on August 7, 2026, Mustapha subsequently undertook various government assignments before formally assuming responsibility for the AGS Directorate on Monday, August 17.
During his previous tenure at the Cabinet Office, the new Permanent Secretary was said to have introduced initiatives aimed at improving staff discipline, welfare and the general working environment.
Among the initiatives was the institutionalisation of compulsory monthly sanitation exercises, which he personally participated in as part of efforts to lead by example.
He also facilitated development projects within the office and introduced welfare measures aimed at boosting staff morale and improving service delivery.
His redeployment followed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s approval of the appointment of new Permanent Secretaries and subsequent postings and redeployments undertaken by the Office of the Head of Civil Service.
Before his return to the Cabinet Office, the Establishment Directorate of the Office of the Head of Civil Service organised a send-forth ceremony in his honour in recognition of his contributions during his tenure.
With his assumption of duty, Mustapha is expected to deploy his administrative experience, institutional knowledge and understanding of government operations towards strengthening the efficiency and coordination of the Cabinet Office.
Speaking shortly after assuming responsibility, the Permanent Secretary expressed gratitude to Governor Yusuf for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to justify the trust through dedicated and responsible service.
He appealed to staff of the Cabinet Office for their cooperation and support, stressing that teamwork and collective commitment would be essential to achieving the objectives of the government and contributing to the development of Kano State.
Mustapha also prayed to Allah to grant him the wisdom, understanding and fortitude required to discharge his responsibilities effectively and justify the confidence placed in him by the governor.
The statement was signed by Musa Tanko Muhammad, Press Secretary, Office of the SSG, Kano.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has received a former aide to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Abdulmumini Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, at his residence in Kano.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, Mai POS donated two vehicles to support the ongoing campaign and mobilisation activities of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Abdulmumini Tijjani Mai POS with Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Mai POS is described as a Kwankwasiyya scholar currently pursuing a PhD in management at Bayero University, Kano.
He previously served as Senior Special Assistant to Governor Yusuf on Entrepreneurship before voluntarily resigning from the appointment following the governor’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
One of the vehicles donated by Alhaji Abdulmumini Tijjani Mai POS to Kwankwasiyya
He also previously indicated interest in contesting the House of Representatives seat for the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in the 2023 and 2027 general elections but reportedly withdrew from the race in the interest of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Mai POS is said to enjoy considerable support among youth groups, particularly in the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency, where he has reportedly supported unemployed youths in securing employment opportunities.
One of the vehicles donated by Alhaji Abdulmumini Tijjani Mai POS to Kwankwasiyya
The latest donation of the two vehicles is expected to strengthen the movement’s mobilisation activities as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, has commenced investigation into a suspect, Haruna Yusuf, following the interception of multiple undeclared foreign currencies at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
KANO FOCUS reports that the currencies, comprising $73,300, £15,957 and 827,800 Saudi Riyals, were intercepted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) during routine screening of arriving passengers between August 8 and 12, 2026.
The suspect and the recovered currencies were handed over to the EFCC by the Acting Customs Area Comptroller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, Deputy Comptroller U.U. Adamu, at the Customs Area Command in Kano.
The Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, received the suspect and exhibits on behalf of the commission.
According to Adamu, the Customs Service made two separate interceptions during the period.
He said that on August 8, 2026, at about 2:20pm, officers conducting passenger screening at the baggage area of MAKIA intercepted an unaccompanied Saudi Air luggage containing 827,800 Saudi Riyals and $53,300.
The currencies, he said, were concealed inside footwear.
Adamu added that on August 12, officers flagged a luggage belonging to Yusuf, who arrived at MAKIA aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941.
He said a secondary screening using Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology led to the discovery of $20,000 and £15,957 concealed inside sports shoes.
He subsequently handed over Yusuf and the recovered currencies to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Adamu said the action was in accordance with Section 4(f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which empowers the service to collaborate with other border regulatory agencies.
He said the interceptions demonstrated the vigilance of Customs officers in detecting cross-border movement of undeclared foreign currencies above the permitted threshold.
“The Command will continue to deploy technology, professional expertise and intelligence-driven measures, including inter-agency collaboration, to strengthen border controls and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial systems,” he said.
Receiving the suspect and exhibits, Ebelo commended the Customs Service for its professionalism and cooperation with EFCC officers recently deployed to the airport.
He urged continued vigilance at Nigeria’s entry points to curb the illegal movement of currency.
“We must sustain this vigilance at all our entry points to counter the illegal movement of currency. The failure to declare large sums of currency and its equivalent is a violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” he said.
Ebelo urged travellers to comply with the law by declaring foreign currencies in their possession, stressing that declaring currency does not attract a penalty.
“Once more, we call on the general public: as much as we are Nigerians and we encourage trade in and out of the country, people must adhere to the laws of the land. You must declare the currency you are carrying. If you declare it, nobody will seize your currency,” he said.
He reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to conducting thorough investigations and prosecuting offenders in accordance with the law.
Both officials commended the longstanding collaboration between the EFCC and NCS, describing the partnership as critical to combating financial crimes and the illegal movement of cash across Nigeria’s borders.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Head of Service of Kano State Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota has urged civil servants to strictly adhere to the Civil Service ethical code and demonstrate greater commitment, discipline and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
KANO FOCUS reports that the head of service made the call in a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment in the Office of the Head of Service, Rukayya Uba Sulaiman, on Monday.
She stressed that compliance with established rules and standards was essential to maintaining an efficient, accountable and effective public service.
Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota urged civil servants to shun negligence, lateness, absenteeism and other forms of misconduct, while taking full responsibility for their official duties.
She also called on workers to improve productivity and ensure that assignments were executed diligently and within the required timeframe.
According to her, professionalism, integrity, accountability and respect for authority should remain key guiding principles for all civil servants.
She noted that a strong and effective Civil Service depended on workers prioritising the public interest and maintaining high ethical standards in the performance of their responsibilities.
The Head of Service further directed Permanent Secretaries and heads of departments to strengthen supervision and ensure strict compliance with service rules and regulations.
Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota urged civil servants to support ongoing efforts to improve service delivery across the state, expressing confidence that sustained discipline, professionalism and commitment would enhance the efficiency of the Kano State Civil Service.
From Grade Level 03 to Director: A 35-Year Journey of Resilience and Service
Mai POS donates two vehicles to support NDC campaign
Salisu Mustapha Assumes Duty as Permanent Secretary in Kano SSG Office
EFCC investigates suspect over undeclared foreign currencies intercepted at Kano airport
Kano Head of Service Warns Civil Servants Against Misconduct
Gov. Yusuf Constitutes Political Advisory Team to Guide Kano Administration
Kano Recruits 8,588 Teachers to Strengthen Basic Education
Kano Assembly passes bill to regulate private school fees
Malika International Academy Honours Outstanding Pupils at 2026 Graduation, Prize-Giving Ceremony
