Don raises alarm over alleged job racketeering in Kano as governor promises action

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Kano indigene and university lecturer based in Cologne, Germany, Muhsin Ibrahim, has raised concerns over alleged job offer racketeering in Kano State, claiming the practice remains widespread despite a change in administration.

In a series of Facebook posts, Ibrahim alleged that the sale of job placements in government ministries and institutions became common toward the end of the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and has continued under the current government led by Abba Kabir Yusuf.

He stated, “Job offer racketeering was prevalent in Kano towards the end of Governor Ganduje’s administration, in late 2022 and early 2023. I wrote extensively about it here. I thought Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, with his purported principles, would stop it. I was wrong.”

The lecturer explained that recent discussions with contacts in Kano revealed that the alleged practice is not only ongoing but expanding. He described a situation where employment opportunities are treated like commodities and sold openly.

“For two days, I happened to speak with family and friends about this illicit business in Kano. It is not only happening but also booming and carried out in broad daylight. Like merchandise, job offers at different ministries and institutions are priced and sold in the market,” he said.

Ibrahim also claimed that some individuals have fallen victim to fraud while attempting to secure such opportunities, describing the situation as “double jeopardy.”

“To make matters worse, several people have been scammed. I call this double jeopardy. You are duped while engaging in immoral, unethical practices. You have no one and nowhere to report your case to,” he added.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by job seekers, especially those who have spent years pursuing education without securing employment. However, he blamed those involved in selling job offers and criticised authorities for failing to curb the trend.

“I can understand why some people feel pushed into buy job offers. It is depressing to be without a job after investing so much money, time and energy in obtaining qualifications. So, I largely blame the sellers but also the government for doing almost nothing to stop this,” he stated.

The lecturer urged those involved to desist from the practice and called for adherence to due process in recruitment.

“Please stop selling job offers. Follow proper hiring procedures and standard practices. Do not abet corruption in Nigeria or anywhere else. Change begins with you and me.”

In a follow-up post, Ibrahim disclosed that a government official in Kano forwarded his earlier message to Governor Yusuf, who has reportedly pledged to respond to the issue.

“A Kano government official forwarded my previous post about job offer racketeering in the state to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The Governor has promised to take appropriate action. May Allah (SWT) grant him the wisdom and the will to do so, amin.”