The Kano State Government has dismissed claims that its directive halting the submission of files to the Governor’s office has crippled public administration, describing the allegations as misleading and without factual or legal basis.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Faruk Ibrahim, the government clarified that the directive by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was widely misunderstood and should not be interpreted as administrative paralysis.
According to the SSG, the instruction was issued towards the end of December, a period when the 2024 Appropriation Law was expiring and the 2025 budget was still undergoing legislative consideration.
He explained that under such circumstances, prudence and respect for due process require restraint in granting executive approvals, especially those with financial implications.
“The directive was a responsible administrative and fiscal control measure aimed at preventing unauthorized expenditures, avoiding illegal financial commitments and shielding the state from audit queries and legal exposure,” Ibrahim said.
He stressed that it is a fundamental principle of public finance that no new spending commitments should be undertaken without a valid appropriation law in place.
The SSG further assured that government activities and essential services have continued without interruption, noting that sectors such as security, healthcare, education, sanitation and other critical services remain fully operational under existing statutory provisions and standing approvals.
He added that the directive only placed a temporary pause on forwarding new discretionary matters to the Governor’s office, pending alignment with the new fiscal framework.
Describing reports of administrative paralysis as unfortunate, Ibrahim said the action instead demonstrates foresight, discipline and respect for the rule of law—qualities essential for responsible governance.
He assured residents that once ongoing transitional administrative reviews are concluded, fresh directives will be issued to guide the next phase of executive operations.
The Kano State Government, he said, remains committed to transparency, effective service delivery and prudent management of public resources in the best interest of the people.
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