Kano Government Dismisses Claims Of Administrative Shutdown

The Kano State Government has dismissed reports alleging that a recent directive by Governor Abba Yusuf to MDAs has grounded public administration in the state, describing such claims as misleading and without factual or legal basis.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim, the government said the directive, which instructed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to temporarily halt the forwarding of files to the governor’s office, was a routine administrative and fiscal control measure.

According to the SSG, the directive was issued towards the end of December when the 2025 Appropriation Law was nearing expiration and the 2026 budget was undergoing legislative consideration.

He explained that under such circumstances, prudence and adherence to due process require restraint in granting executive approvals, particularly those with financial implications.

Ibrahim stressed that the measure was aimed at preventing unauthorised expenditure, illegal financial commitments and potential audit or legal challenges to the state. He noted that public finance principles prohibit new spending commitments in the absence of a valid appropriation law.

Contrary to claims of administrative paralysis, the SSG said government activities had continued uninterrupted, with essential services in security, healthcare, education, sanitation and other critical sectors remaining fully operational under existing statutory provisions and standing approvals.

He clarified that the directive only placed a temporary pause on the escalation of new discretionary matters to the governor’s office, pending alignment with the new fiscal framework.

The government also stated that the decision would help curb the culture of end-of-year rush approvals, which often undermine transparency and fiscal discipline.

Ibrahim assured residents that once transitional administrative reviews were concluded, further directives would be issued to guide subsequent executive operations.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transparency, effective service delivery and prudent management of public resources in the interest of Kano State residents.