The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Kano has demanded urgent investigation on N1.5 billion allegedly siphoned by the immediate past Head of Service HoS, Abdullahi Musa.

Addressing workers during the 2026 May Day Celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium, NLC sate Chairman, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa revealed that NLC reliable informed on the alleged missing fund insisted government must ensure the recovery of the public resources.

According to Inuwa, ” information reaching us this morning indicated that a some of N1.5 billion is missing under the custody of immediate past Head of Service. If that is true, we demand immediate investigation.

” That fund belonging to Kano state workers should not allow to go down just like that. If that money is release into the market, it will stabilize so many homes. So, we urged the government to investigate whoever is involved and bring them to book in the public interest”. Inuwa insisted.

The labour leader also lamented the wide salary disparity between the state and civil servants which he claimed had continued to generate inequality and social gap against workers at the local government level. He appealed for urgent bridge to enable equal opportunity.

On the security situation in Kano, the NLC Chairman wanted the state government to address insecurity threatening social welfare of residents. He emphasized security of workplace and environment to ensure decent work environment.

Inuwa however applauded Governor Yusuf’s labour friendly initiative, citing payment of N32 billion out of N45 billion outstanding gratuity and death benefits inherited from previous administrations. He also commended recruitment of workers in various sectors of the economy which he described as major social investment.

” We celebrate the gains we have seen under the leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State. The administration’s worker-friendly approach has been clear in policy and practice. In the face of economic and security challenges, this government recognizes that workers are not mere line items in budget, but human beings entitled to respect.

“The timely remuneration, and the protection that comes with decent employment. Among the achievements we acknowledge with gratitude are the regular and timely payment of salaries across critical sectors of the public service. Although timely pay is not a payable, it is a right and a critical element of dignity at work”. NLC Chairman noted.

Responding to allegation of missing funds, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf directed the Secretary to the state government to set up investigative committee to look into that allegations. He assured anyone found wanting will bear the full weight of the law.

Addressing workers at the event, Yusuf described labour as the “engine room of governance and development,” noting that mental well-being, job security, and fair wages are critical to productivity.

He said the government would continue to prioritise economic empowerment, improved security, and human capital development to address poverty and workplace challenges.

The governor disclosed that his administration inherited over ₦48 billion in unpaid gratuities and death benefits, adding that ₦32 billion had so far been settled. He pledged to clear the outstanding liabilities before the end of his tenure.

Yusuf also highlighted measures aimed at improving workers’ welfare, including prompt salary payments and implementation of a ₦71,000 minimum wage, making Kano one of the first states in the country to adopt the new pay structure.

Other initiatives, he said, include the establishment of the Local Government Service Commission, retirement training programmes, and an increase in the minimum pension from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000.