The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has uncovered an embezzlement of N18 billion involving both politicians and civil servants within the state.
The commission’s chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, revealed that the vast majority of corruption cases under investigation, particularly those related to procurement, involve civil servants who have been co-opted by politicians to siphon public funds.
At a workshop focused on Anti-Corruption efforts, Rimingado expressed concern over the deep involvement of civil servants in corrupt activities, noting that these officials are often manipulated by politicians to divert public resources for personal gain.
He highlighted a disturbing trend where local government cashiers are used as conduits for laundering public money through personal accounts, which is then converted into foreign currency and returned to the politicians.
The workshop sought to educate senior civil servants on the importance of adhering to Anti-Corruption laws, proper procurement practices, and sound financial management.
Kano State’s Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, echoed Rimingado’s concerns, acknowledging that corruption is eroding the integrity of the civil service.
He announced plans to update financial regulations to better reflect current economic conditions and ensure more effective management of public funds.
In addition, Ibrahim Garba Kagara, the state coordinator for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), highlighted issues such as contract inflation, substandard services, and the absence of project execution as prevalent forms of corruption in the state.
He called for stricter measures to ensure that public projects deliver value for money.
