Kano gov blocks all MDAs accounts over revenue leakage

Worried by the large-scale revenue leakage and financial crimes within the government setting, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Wednesday directed the immediate closure of all accounts linked to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.

Yusuf issued the directive during an interactive session with managers of the state Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at the Government House, where he raised issues of transparency deficits and lack of prudence in the management of public revenue.

The governor cited cases of inefficiency in the manual management of MDA’s accounts, which gave rise to multiple expenditures and financial irregularities.

He noted that the poor practices in revenue generation have set the state back compared to neighbouring states, saying while Kaduna State accounts for over N10 billion, Kano, despite its economic viability, was lagging with N1.6 billion.

He said that relying solely on the Federal Government’s monthly consolidated revenue is not enough to pay salaries, and fund development projects, and infrastructure, stressing the readiness of his administration to strengthen internal revenue generation.

He said decisive action will be taken on his promises regarding transparency, zero tolerance for corruption, and repositioning ideas for ultimate revenue generation and growth, including the adoption of central billing.

The governor henceforth directed all MDAs to comply with the Revenue Harmonization Law Act 2024 and warned that commissioners, permanent secretaries, and the Head of Service would be held responsible for non-compliance.

On his part, the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission also raised concerns over the level of corruption deeply embedded within the MDAs.

He said the commission is already focusing its efforts to flush out corrupt elements. The state anti-graft body is currently investigating the diversion of over N660 million in the Ministry of Water Resources and multiple million-naira drug supply claims in the Ministry of Local Government.