Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, declaring that accountability in public service remains non-negotiable.
Yusuf made this known on Tuesday while addressing participants at the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day event held in Kano. He was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim.
The governor said corruption poses a direct threat to the poor, the vulnerable and the future of children, stressing that his government has put in place strict measures to enhance transparency and accountability across public institutions.
He disclosed that one of the major steps taken by his administration was granting full operational independence to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), describing the move as a key pillar in the state’s governance structure.
According to him, the government has also introduced merit-based appointments and strengthened collaboration with federal and local agencies to advance the anti-corruption fight.
Yusuf explained that capacity-building workshops have been organised for members of the executive council, advisers, permanent secretaries, directors and heads of parastatals to ensure prudent management of public resources.
“These efforts are aimed at building a public service culture where accountability is non-negotiable and ethical leadership is the standard,” he said.
The governor listed achievements recorded through the anti-corruption drive to include the recovery of public lands and assets, declaration of a state of emergency in key sectors, payment of inherited pensions and gratuities, and increased investment in agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure.
He, however, noted that sustained investment and collective action were required to entrench transparency, urging youths to take the lead in building a corruption-free society.
“With nearly half of our population under 30, young people are not only victims of corruption, but key agents of change capable of demanding accountability,” he added.
Yusuf assured that his administration would continue to strengthen weak institutions, protect whistleblowers and ensure that public funds are used for the benefit of all citizens. He also called for sustained collaboration among government, civil society, youth groups, the private sector and security agencies.
Earlier, chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Saidu Yahaya, commended the governor for granting the commission full autonomy, describing it as a clear demonstration of commitment to good governance.
Yahaya said the commission had become more proactive in preventing corruption and noted that the planned implementation of a trillion-naira budget in 2026 underscored the need for strong anti-corruption mechanisms.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” he said the commission had stepped up engagement with youths through integrity clubs, digital campaigns and moral education programmes.
Also speaking, a representative of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Sani Tukur, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to deepening the anti-corruption fight in Kano and across the country.
NAN
