The Kano State Government has dismissed claims that a recent directive by Governor Abba Yusuf, instructing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to temporarily suspend forwarding files to his office, has disrupted governance in the state.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar F. Ibrahim, the government described the reports as misleading, lacking factual or legal basis, and stressed that the directive was a routine fiscal control measure in line with due process.
The statement explained that the directive, issued in late December, coincided with the expiry of the 2025 Appropriation Law and the ongoing legislative review of the 2026 budget. “The instruction was issued at a time when prudence, legality, and respect for due process demand restraint in executive approvals, particularly those with financial implications,” the statement read.
The measure was intended to prevent unauthorised expenditures, illegal financial commitments, and potential audit queries, ensuring that no new spending obligations were undertaken in the absence of a valid appropriation law.
Reports suggesting administrative gridlock, including claims that large volumes of untreated files had accumulated at Government House, were described as unfounded. The government affirmed that essential services, including security, healthcare, education, and sanitation, continued uninterrupted under existing statutory approvals.
“Far from halting governance, the directive represents a responsible administrative and fiscal control measure designed to avoid illegal financial commitments and protect the state from legal and audit liabilities,” Ibrahim said.
The statement also highlighted that the pause applied only to new discretionary matters directed to the governor’s office, while MDAs continued to operate fully within their lawful mandates. The government emphasized that the move promotes transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline, curbing the culture of rushed end-of-year approvals that can compromise effective governance.
Amid heightened political activities and speculation over a possible political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Kano State Government reiterated that the directive reflects foresight, discipline, and respect for the rule of law, not a breakdown of governance.
“The public is assured that government business continues uninterrupted. Once transitional administrative reviews are concluded, further directives will guide the next phase of executive operations,” the statement concluded.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to transparent, effective service delivery and prudent management of public resources in the best interests of the people of Kano State.
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