Kano State Government

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In an administrative reshuffle aimed at enhancing governance, Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a series of new appointments and promotions for key officials.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed the changes in a statement released on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026.

The newly appointed officials include Hon. Abdulkadir Balarabe Kankarofi, who moves from Senior Special Assistant-Protocol I to Special Adviser on Humanitarian Affairs. Hajia Aisha Tamburawa, formerly a Supervisory Councillor in Dawakin Kudu, is now Special Adviser on Positive Propaganda.

Several promotions were also announced within state agencies. Engr. Mukhtar Yusuf ascends from Deputy Managing Director to Managing Director of the Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA), with Zakari Usman Balan stepping into the vacated Deputy role.

Similarly, Engr. Abba Kankarofi is now Managing Director of the Kano Road and Maintenance Agency (KARMA), having previously served as its Deputy Managing Director.

Other notable appointments include Dr. Mukhtar Bello Maisudan, a senior lecturer at Bayero University Kano, as Executive Secretary of the State Scholarship Board, and Hon. Musayyib Kawu Ungoggo as Managing Director of the Kano Zoological Garden.

Governor Yusuf charged the appointees to justify their new roles through dedication, transparency, and a firm commitment to the people of Kano. He reiterated that the moves align with his administration’s focus on strengthening institutions and delivering people-oriented governance under the “Kano First Agenda.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending weeks of political speculation over his party affiliation.

Yusuf completed his defection on Monday during a formal ceremony held at the Coronation Hall of the Kano State Government House. Senior figures of the APC received him at the event.

Among those present were former APC National Chairman and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; the Deputy President of the Senate and Senator representing Kano South, Barau Jibrin; and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata. Other top party leaders and officials also attended the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, the governor explained that his return to the APC followed his desire to work more closely with the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the aim of speeding up development in Kano State.

Yusuf won the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). He later resigned from the party alongside several members of the Kano State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, a move that cleared the path for his re-entry into the APC.

More details are expected to emerge as reactions continue to trail the development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, will return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, 26 January 2026, days after he resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, Yusuf initially joined the APC in 2014 and emerged winner of the party’s primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat. He later stepped down from the contest in favour of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The statement explained that the governor’s decision to rejoin the APC followed years of political participation on different platforms, including his recent stay in the NNPP.

It added that current realities linked to governance, national cohesion and development informed his move back to the APC, which he described as “a familiar and structured platform for progressive governance.”

Governor Yusuf said his return to the ruling party would boost collaboration with the Federal Government, fast-track infrastructural projects, strengthen security coordination and improve service delivery across Kano State.

He also noted that the move would promote political stability and unity within the state.

The statement further revealed that on Monday, the governor will formally register as an APC member in Kano. He will do so alongside 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives and the 44 local government chairmen in the state.

Yusuf is also expected to formally inaugurate the APC electronic registration exercise in Kano on the same day.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Government has completed the payment of N15.67 billion in outstanding allowances to former local government councillors, settling a financial obligation that had lingered for over ten years.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the conclusion of the process on Wednesday, fulfilling an earlier pledge to clear the backlog before the end of 2025. The final tranche of N8.26 billion was disbursed to 1,371 councillors who served between 2021 and 2024.

This payment marks the third and final phase of a settlement initiative begun earlier this year. In May, the state paid N1.8 billion to 903 former councillors from the 2014–2017 term. This was followed by a N5.6 billion payment to 1,198 councillors from the 2018–2020 batch in August. In total, more than 3,400 former council members have benefited.

Governor Yusuf described the exercise as a “restoration of dignity, trust, and justice.” He stated, “We are not just closing a ledger; we are opening a new chapter. Never again should those who serve the public be left in uncertainty about what is rightfully theirs.”

The governor also confirmed that current councillors, whose tenure began in 2024, have received 50% of their furniture allowance, totaling N1.27 billion.

He credited several agencies, including the Ministry for Local Government and the Office of the Accountant-General, for ensuring a transparent verification process in collaboration with the Former Councillors’ Forum.

To prevent a recurrence, Governor Yusuf announced ongoing institutional reforms such as digitalizing records and upgrading payroll management systems.

The announcement event was attended by former councillors, senior officials, and labour representatives. Many beneficiaries expressed relief, calling the payment long overdue but welcome.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has urged journalists to handle information carefully during public health emergencies, warning that panic can sometimes be more harmful than the disease itself.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, stated this in Kaduna during a two-day Emergency Risk Communication workshop organised by the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), with support from the FCDO–Lafiya Programme.

“Sometimes causing panic in a community can be more destructive than the disease itself,” Dr. Yusuf said, stressing that emergencies are often measured in hours or days, and careless communication could cost lives.

He noted the time-sensitive nature of outbreaks, explaining that early and accurate reporting can save lives, while rushed or misleading information can worsen the situation.

Drawing a comparison to medical practice, Dr. Yusuf said suspected disease cases must be carefully investigated, isolated, and confirmed before public disclosure, just as health workers consider worst-case scenarios during diagnosis.

He further highlighted the importance of verification before reporting, cautioning that while journalists often have access to early signals, not all information should be immediately released to the public.

The commissioner also emphasised the ethical dimension of reporting, warning against publishing identifiable details of patients without consent, which could have legal consequences and undermine public trust in health authorities.

Dr. Yusuf stressed that responsible media engagement is crucial in promoting preventive health behaviours such as vaccination, hand hygiene, safe food practices, and environmental sanitation, which are essential to reducing the spread of diseases in communities.

He added that building public trust through careful, evidence-based reporting ensures that citizens follow official health guidance during outbreaks, strengthening the overall effectiveness of emergency response efforts.

By Uzair Adam

Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru M. Hashim, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving water access in public hospitals amid growing concerns over climate-related water stress.

The commissioner made this known in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday.

Dr. Hashim, who has been at the forefront of the state’s environmental interventions, explained that many hospitals continue to face severe water shortages, which hinder sanitation, hygiene, and effective healthcare delivery.

He said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf directed the installation of solar-powered boreholes in major hospitals to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of clean water.According to him, the measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

“The governor’s directive aims to improve water security and the overall quality of care in our health facilities,” he noted in the statement.

The commissioner disclosed that he inspected the ongoing borehole installations at Sheikh Muhammad Jiddah General Hospital, the Kano State Hospital Management Board, Sir Muhammadu Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Gezawa General Hospital, and Minjibir General Hospital.

He said the visit was aimed at monitoring progress and ensuring that the work meets the standards set by the ministry.

Dr. Hashim added that water samples from the boreholes were submitted to the Kano State Pollution Control Laboratory for analysis.

He said the laboratory confirmed that the water meets acceptable standards for human consumption, describing the development as proof of the government’s commitment to providing safe, reliable water in public health institutions.

He urged the benefiting hospitals to ensure proper maintenance to sustain the facilities. He also appealed to borehole drillers in the state to prioritize water-quality testing.

“We encourage public and private borehole drillers to make use of our laboratory services to safeguard the health and wellbeing of residents,” he stated.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has expressed deep concern over the arrest and subsequent transfer of the former Chairman of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kano State, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, on Friday.

According to the state government, Magaji was arrested around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at his law office along Zaria Road in Kano by heavily armed police officers who allegedly did not present any warrant of arrest or court order.

He was first taken to the Police Headquarters at Bompai before being moved to Abuja later that evening.

The statement noted that the development raises serious constitutional and legal concerns, particularly in relation to Sections 35, 36, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee personal liberty, fair hearing, and the right to seek enforcement of fundamental rights.

While acknowledging that the police have the authority to investigate and enforce the law, the Attorney General stressed that such powers must be exercised within the bounds of due process and respect for human dignity.

The government described the manner and timing of the arrest as worrisome, especially given the absence of any official notification to state authorities despite the sensitivity of the case.

It added that the operation appeared unnecessarily militarized, warning that the action could create tension, fear, and political misinterpretation within Kano State.

The government further alleged that some political actors outside the state might be attempting to exploit federal institutions in ways capable of destabilizing Kano and undermining the current environment of peace and good governance.

According to additional findings by the state government, Magaji’s arrest is believed to be connected to several ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving politically exposed persons in Kano.

The statement warned that the move could be aimed at obstructing or compromising these sensitive cases.

The government also described as alarming the alleged deployment of more than 40 armed police officers for the arrest despite a subsisting High Court order restraining security agencies from harassing or arresting Magaji.

It said the development raises concerns about abuse of power and misplaced security priorities at a time when the state and nation face significant security challenges.

The Kano State Government reaffirmed that the state remains peaceful and governed by the rule of law, stressing that any action capable of provoking public disorder or politicizing law enforcement must be firmly resisted.

It urged the police to publicly explain the legal basis for Magaji’s arrest and transfer to Abuja, while calling for full adherence to constitutional provisions and human rights standards.

The government reiterated its commitment to cooperating with all lawful security agencies but warned that it would take every constitutional step necessary to protect the rights of its citizens and safeguard public peace.

Residents were urged to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation continues to unfold.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has dismissed the Kano State Government’s call for his arrest, describing the move as baseless and irresponsible.

The former governor made his position known through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu.In the statement, Ganduje faulted the approach of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, insisting that the government had failed to address the worsening security situation in the state.

“It is deeply unfortunate that rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows while searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures,” he said.

Ganduje noted that residents in Bagwai, Shanono, Tsanyawa, and other communities had suffered repeated assaults from criminals.

He said the governor had not visited the affected areas or shown concern for the victims.

“His continued absence in moments that require leadership speaks volumes of his disconnect from the people he claims to serve,” the statement added.

The former governor emphasised that he had never been associated with violence. He stated that the accusations were an attempt to mislead the public and divert attention from the government’s shortcomings.

He called on Governor Yusuf to concentrate on his constitutional responsibilities, especially the protection of lives and property, instead of engaging in political distractions.

The development followed the Kano State Government’s announcement on Friday, calling for the immediate arrest of Ganduje over alleged inciting statements and attempts to form an illegal militia group in the state.

By Engr. Abubakar Sulaiman

The Amnesty International Nigeria and some Northern Intellectuals were asleep or in a state of limbo when the Kano state government invited Mallam Lawan Shuaibu Triumph to appear before the Shura Committee and defend what some segments of Muslims considered blasphemous or disrespectful. He appeared, defended his statements, and heaven did not fall. He also made it clear that he was open to further discussion or debate.

Waking up from slumber, Amnesty International found its voice only when the ‘anointed’ Yahaya Masussuka (whom some people laughably expect to bring about a ‘revolution’ in mainstream Islam and its preachings) was invited by the Katsina state government to appear before a committee regarding his preachments. That was when they realised someone was about to be stripped of their freedom. The olive branch that wasn’t extended to Mallam Lawal Shuaibu Triumph.

Is it double standards or hypocrisy from the organisation and the so-called intellectuals? It is both. And it is a clever-by-half and calculated attempt to arm-twist a government procedure. But this is a discussion for another day.

That said, I believe state governments should find a way to disengage from organising religious debates. They should enact laws that regulate religious preaching and require JNI or CAN (or any other faith-based body) to license preachers. Whoever has a disagreement or believes a cleric’s preachment is an affront to overriding public interest should approach the court. Based on the enacted laws, the court should determine what constitutes extremism or actions inimical to social stability and thereby de-license a cleric or even sentence them to time in correctional facilities where appropriate.

I think debates on religious ideologies should be organised by faith-based organisations, or anyone who has an axe to grind with another person on religious issues should extend an invitation to a debate. Two Salafi scholars, Shaykh Isa Ali Pantami and the late Shaykh Idris Abdulaziz, extended such an invitation to the Boko Haram leader, the late Muhammad Yusuf, without any state government spearheading or supervising the engagement. Many people later renounced the Boko Haram ideology after listening to that debate. Additionally, Mallam Al-Qasim Hotoro also approached Mallam AbdulJabbar Nasiru Kabara for a debate, though AbdulJabbar used a ‘tactical manoeuvre’ to decline the engagement. The populace will then be the judge of who can present convincing evidence for their beliefs or ideology from such debates.

State governments risk falling into a quagmire if they continue to entertain complaints and organise religious debates without referring them to government-recognised faith-based organisations or a court of competent jurisdiction. It is difficult to digest, given the fear of censorship from our kind of governments, but regulation is key to taming religious hiccups and extreme tendencies while enhancing social integration.

Abubakar writes from Kaduna and can be reached via abusuleiman06@gmail.com.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Kano State Government has approved ₦9,854,326,460.92 for various road construction, renovation, and flood control projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and easing transportation across the state.

The approvals were part of the resolutions reached during the 33rd Kano State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the projects will be executed under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

Key allocations include ₦2.63 billion for the construction of Dambatta–Gwarabjawa Road in Dambatta Local Government and ₦2.47 billion for the supply and installation of 4-way intersection traffic lights across major roads in Kano State.

Other major projects approved are ₦388.5 million for flood control works at Baban Gwari Roundabout along Katsina Road, ₦810.8 million for the installation of road studs within Kano metropolis, and ₦277.4 million for renovation and construction works at Audu Bako Secretariat (Phase II).

Additionally, ₦339.6 million was approved for the installation of solar-powered streetlights at Kwankwasiyya City, while ₦135.3 million will fund the installation of all-in-one solar streetlights at Ado Bayero Square, New Road, Sabon Gari, and surrounding areas.

The Commissioner said the projects underscore the Yusuf administration’s resolve to modernize Kano’s infrastructure and ensure sustainable urban development.

“These approvals are part of the government’s broad commitment to improving road networks, promoting safety, and mitigating flood risks across the State,” Waiya added.