1) Kano govt urges journalists to be mindful of litigation amidst alleged misappropriation
2) Kano Govt Charges Journalists on ethical journalism and patriotism
3. Kano Government practices the best transparency and accountability cultures
3) Kano Government reaffirms commitment to supporting the media in the State
4. Kano Government reaffirms commitment to good Governance
TEXT OF A PRESS BRIEFING BY THE HON. COMMISSIONER, INFORMATION AND INTERNAL AFFAIRS, COMRADE IBRAHIM ABDULLAHI WAIYA
DATE: 7th Sept. 2025
VENUE – Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs
WHEN SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN:
KANO STATE AS THE LEAD SUB NATIONAL GOVERNEMNT THAT ENTRENCHES THE BEST PRACTICES OF TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND FINANCIAL PRUDENCE TOWARDS STRENTHENING THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION
PREAMBLE:
Accountability in governance is an essential ingredient and pillar of any responsible
Government, at the center of it lies the responsibility of transparent, ethical and responsible public information/ communications mechanism that keeps the citizens abreast of government policies, projects, programmes and activities. In the same vein, public accountability through timely prompt information/communication flow is an essential requirement of any responsible democratic government.
Similarly, much as responsible democratic governments are accountable to the people, the media through which the citizens are informed has a duty to be responsible and professional and operate with utmost ethical compliance.
As the chief information officer of the state, I am duty bound to provide information that is not only accurate, objective and in strict compliance, adherence with journalistic principles, such engagement must be anchored truthfully, sincerely and devoid of any personal interest or tendencies to misinform, mislead or deceive the public into believing what is not correct. Therefore, conscious of the heavy burden of speaking the truth and upholding as well as safeguarding the noble profession of Journalism, it is absolutely necessary for me to set some records straight regarding some recent developments in some sections of the media.
JOURNALISM/ MEDIA NOT LICENSE FOR MANIPULATION
With reference to recent developments in the media concerning an allegation against some Government officials, the matter that is before the court, and being investigated by the anti - graft agencies, the handling of the news item by some sections of the media is worrisome as it has fallen short of established media/ journalism standards. Worthy of note is the reckless and continuous manipulation of the innocent citizens recycling the same story through different patters and faces
Moreover, since the story started to trend especially on the digital platforms, it was clear for every discerning mind to observe that there is a carefully orchestrated plan by some desperate, faceless, and unpatriotic elements who are hell-bent on discrediting the Abba Kabir Yusuf led administration by maliciously painting it in the bad light. The promoters of such negative stories and their paymasters have shamelessly continued to recycle the same story in different forms in order to deceive the public into believing that the NNPP led government harbour corrupt officials which is suggestive of a government that condones corruption. In indeed, this narrative is contrary to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s public declaration of zero tolerance for corruption. Examples abound of the government's fight against corruption through institutional reforms as well as decisive actions on some corruption related cases, which I will highlight in the course of this media briefing.
The media and journalists must uphold and promote the principles of objectivity, fairness, accuracy, and balanced reportage. It is reprehensible for journalists to engage in recycling one story with the sole aim of sustaining an onslaught on a government that is committed to serving the citizens diligently, transparently through judicious utilization of public funds as we are witnessing today in Kano. Clearly, the news item that is making a round about the former Accountant General of the state and now Commissioner of Rural and Community Development, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam over alleged return of 1.17 billion Naira was part of the earlier narration in the initial story of the ICPC and EFCC investigations, which is now a subject of litigation. Therefore, presenting the former AG's side of the story as fresh is clearly malicious and a desperate attempt at discrediting Abba Kabir Yusuf's government, thereby diverting public attention from its outstanding achievements.
To this end, I must remind and admonish media practitioners to operate within established professional standards and protocols so as to safeguard the noble profession by insulating it from selfish and primordial sentiments being peddled by faceless unpatriotic elements.
GOVERNOR ABBA KABIR YUSUF’S INTRODUCED REFORMS AND PRACTICES ON TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND PRUDENT MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC RESOURCS
Accountability and transparency in public governance stand as the two strongest pillars upon which sustainable development is built. In Kano State, the administration of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has boldly championed these values by institutionalizing reforms that does not only align with global best practices but also reflect the genuine will to deliver good governance to the people. Guided by the amended Kano State Public Procurement Law of 2021, the State Government has embarked on a decisive journey to reposition its procurement processes and enhance monitoring mechanisms in order to ensure value for money, quality project delivery and public confidence in government operations.
Over the past two years, the government has deployed strategic interventions to sanitize procurement processes, digitize oversight systems, empower Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and engage citizens directly in monitoring and evaluating projects, as well as decision making. These actions have been both proactive and transformative, laying the foundation for a future where waste is minimized, corruption is tackled, and the benefits of public spending are felt tangibly from the top to the bottom
The Kano State Government, under the able leadership of Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf, through the Ministry of Public Procurement and Project Monitoring, has been one of the MDAs at the forefront of this transformation. A look at this ministry reveals an impressive list of key milestones and initiatives so far recorded.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND STRATEGIC MEASURES
1. Institutional Enforcement of the Procurement Law
In a bid to ensure full adherence to the Kano State Public Procurement Law 2021 (as amended), His Excellency directed, via a Council extract, that no MDA shall submit requests for approval on works, goods or services without strict compliance with the provisions of the law. This directive marked a turning point in governance, compelling all MDAs to adhere to transparent procurement protocols such as:
a. Public advertisement of tenders to encourage competitive bidding.
b. Public opening of bids to enhance transparency and competitiveness.
c. Mandatory issuance of ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NoC) prior to any Council consideration.
d. Vetting of payment certificates to ensure conformity before contractors receive payment.
These measures have significantly curtailed arbitrary approvals, ensured cost-effectiveness, and improved project delivery timelines.
2. Periodic Procurement Audits
Recognizing the importance of accountability in procurement processes, the Ministry of Procurement and Monitoring has commenced periodic procurement audits to evaluate the level of compliance across MDAs and to ensure that all documentation adheres strictly to regulatory standards. The first audit cycle is already underway, marking a new era of data-backed decision-making and proactive correction of malpractices.
3. Annual Procurement and Disposal Plan (APDP)
To align government spending with strategic priorities, the administration directed the formulation of an Annual Procurement and Disposal Plan (APDP). This process, currently ongoing, aims to provide a centralized, coordinated framework that guides procurement activities and ensures synchronization across MDAs.
4. Development of Standard Bidding Documents
Standardization is key to fairness. The government has set in motion the review and development of standard bidding documents for all procurement categories. Once finalized, this initiative will unify the procurement language across all MDAs and reduce irregularities, thereby building investor confidence.
5. Digitization of Procurement and Monitoring Systems
One of the most visionary steps taken by the administration of Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf is the digitization of procurement and monitoring processes. Through the ongoing development of the Kano State Integrated Monitoring System, (KSIMS), which is already (90%) at the completion stage, Kano state will soon have the capacity to track projects in real-time, receive digital updates and conduct data analytics on government spendings.
Moreover, the e-procurement portal, though still in its early stages, promises to revolutionize how tenders are advertised, bids submitted, and contracts awarded, bringing Kano closer to a fully digital and corruption-resistant procurement future.
6. Development of a Statewide Monitoring Framework
The Kano State Government, through the Ministry of Procurement, has initiated the design of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework to institutionalize oversight mechanisms across the entire governance spectrum. This framework will provide standardized indicators, tools, and reporting formats to facilitate objective project assessment.
7. Monthly Evaluation of Projects across LGAs
In an unprecedented demonstration of commitment, the Abba Kabir Yusuf led administration has ensured that every Local Government Area in the state is visited monthly for project monitoring. Findings are consistently reported to His Excellency, which enables data-driven corrective actions. This has improved project quality, community satisfaction, and cost efficiency.
8. Capacity Building for MDAs
To bridge the knowledge gap in procurement practices, the Ministry has organized a series of capacity-building workshops and trainings for MDAs. These sessions are aimed at enlightening officers on the provisions of the Public Procurement Law and empowering them to carry out their functions in line with best practices.
9. Policy Frameworks and Operational Guidelines
As part of efforts to institutionalize reforms, the Kano State Government has reviewed and developed several key policy documents, including:
a. Operational Guidelines for the Disposal of Public Property
b. Monitoring and Evaluation Guidelines
c.Guidelines on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
d. Public Procurement Manual
These documents serve as a compass for implementation and are helping to instil discipline, consistency, and legal compliance across the board.
10. Community Engagement in Project Monitoring
Understanding that governance must be participatory, the Ministry of Procurement and Monitoring has been actively engaging communities in project monitoring efforts. Through town hall meetings and field interactions, community members are empowered to provide feedback, ensuring that projects reflect the true needs of the people. As part of the efforts towards achieving this goal civil society organizations are actively involved in every activity or programme of Government as a practice to ensure accountability and transparency
11. Radio Engagement for Public Awareness
To deepen public understanding and promote inclusiveness, the Ministry of Procurement and Monitoring has initiated regular radio programmes to educate citizens about procurement reforms, their rights, and how to get involved in governance. This step has expanded the information space and brought the government closer to the grassroots.
12. In furtherance of these efforts, and in a bid to keep the Kano people fully informed of all government spending and projects. The Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, has instituted a practice whereby all projects and resolutions approved by the State Executive Council are made public immediately after the council meeting, for the citizens to follow up with the approved projects and budget that would be executed in their own, towns or communities. The figure for each project is published clearly on social media handles and is published on some conventional media platforms
The strategic actions enumerated above underscore the deep commitment of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to promote integrity, transparency, and citizen-centred governance in Kano State. Through the Ministry of Procurement, deliberate and structured implementation of procurement laws and monitoring protocols, the foundations for good governance are being laid brick by brick.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND PRUDENCE
All financial transactions are done independent of any interference, from the office of the Accountant General. Therefore, financial releases are done with any act of fronting or demand of kickbacks as it was prevalent in the previous Government
Strengthening the operation of Public Complaint and Anti - Corruption Commission
PCACC as a lead Government agency saddled with the responsibility of ensuring prudence and fiscal discipline and prudent financial practices, has been given a free hand to operate independent of any Government officials interference
These interventions and reforms do not only comply with legal frameworks but also reflect a progressive vision that places people over politics, quality over quantity, and integrity over expedience.
As these reforms continue to gain momentum, the people of Kano State can look to a future where public resources are effectively deployed responsibly, monitored meticulously, and used for the collective good of all.
Thank you for listening
