The Kano State Government has rejected reports suggesting that governance activities in the state have stalled following Governor Abba Yusuf’s directive suspending the submission of files to his office.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ibrahim, described the claims as misleading, insisting that public administration in Kano remains fully functional.
Ibrahim explained that the directive, issued toward the end of December, was a standard fiscal and administrative control mechanism rather than a sign of governance failure. He said the decision aligned with the expiration of the 2025 Appropriation Law and the ongoing deliberations on the 2026 budget by the Kano State House of Assembly.
According to him, it was necessary to exercise caution on executive approvals that carry financial implications until a new appropriation law is in place.
“The assertion that public administration has been grounded is inaccurate and lacks both factual and legal foundation,” the statement read.
The SSG noted that the temporary measure was designed to prevent unauthorised spending, improper financial commitments and possible audit complications. He stressed that no new expenditure should be initiated without valid legislative backing.
Ibrahim further assured residents that governance has continued uninterrupted, adding that critical sectors such as security, healthcare, education, sanitation and other essential services are operating under existing statutory approvals.
He clarified that the directive only halted the forwarding of new discretionary matters to the governor’s office, while Ministries, Departments and Agencies continue to carry out their lawful duties.
The government also said the move was intended to curb the usual rush for approvals at year end, which often weakens accountability and fiscal discipline.
Describing the directive as a demonstration of administrative foresight, the government assured that further guidance would be issued once ongoing transitional reviews are concluded.
