Kano Govt Dismisses Claims of Administrative Shutdown, Defends Fiscal Control Directive
— Says temporary pause was lawful, prudent, and aimed at protecting public funds
The Kano State Government has firmly dismissed media reports alleging that a recent directive issued by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has grounded public administration in the state, describing the claims as misleading, unfounded, and lacking both factual and legal basis.
In a press release signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar F. Ibrahim, the government clarified that the directive, which temporarily halted the forwarding of files from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to the Governor’s office, was a responsible fiscal and administrative measure rather than an act of governance paralysis.
According to the statement, the directive was issued towards the end of December, a critical transitional period when the State’s Appropriation Law for the outgoing fiscal year had expired and the new budget was still under legislative consideration. The government noted that under such circumstances, prudence and respect for due process require restraint, particularly in approving matters with financial implications.
“It is a well-established principle of public finance that no new spending commitments should be undertaken in the absence of a valid appropriation law,” the statement emphasized.
The government explained that the measure was designed to prevent unauthorized expenditures, avert illegal financial commitments, and shield the state from future audit queries and legal liabilities. Rather than disrupting governance, officials said the directive strengthened fiscal discipline and institutional accountability.
Reacting to claims of halted government activities, the state government stressed that essential services have continued uninterrupted across critical sectors, including security, healthcare, education, sanitation, and other key areas. It clarified that MDAs have remained fully operational within existing statutory provisions and standing approvals.
The directive, the government explained, only placed a temporary pause on the escalation of new discretionary matters to the Governor’s office, pending the conclusion of transitional administrative reviews and the alignment of executive actions with the new fiscal framework.
The government also noted that the decision was intended to curb the common practice of end-of-year rush approvals, which often undermine transparency and fiscal responsibility in public administration.
Describing the portrayal of the directive as “administrative paralysis” as unfortunate, the Kano State Government maintained that the action reflects foresight, discipline, and strict adherence to the rule of law—qualities it said are essential for responsible leadership.
The government assured residents that once the ongoing administrative reviews are concluded, fresh directives will be issued to guide the next phase of executive operations.
Reaffirming its stance, the Kano State Government reiterated its commitment to transparency, effective service delivery, and the prudent management of public resources in the best interest of the people of the state.