ORGANIZED BY KANO PATRIOTIC CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS WITH SUPPORT FROM KANO STATE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND INTERNAL AFFAIRS
It is with great humility and a deep sense of duty that I stand before you today at this historic gathering that is the first of its kind in our dear state of Kano.
History teaches us that meaningful changes do not begin with grand events alone, but also with the meeting of minds, and with the forging of trust between seemingly disagreeable minds. Today is one such moment.
The choice of theme for this Conference is, indeed, both timely and profound. In an era when democracy is often tested by apathy and misinformation, Civil Society Organizations stand as the bridge between the state and its citizens.
To empower CSOs is not merely to fund them or invite them to dialogue. It is to recognize them as co-architects of democracy, whose presence at the grassroots keeps governance from being an abstraction.
The sustainability of our collective future lies not in government alone, nor in CSOs in isolation, but in the ability of the two to unite. When citizens, civil society and the state act as partners rather than rivals, democracy ceases to be a slogan and it therefore becomes a reality with positive impacts on the lives of the citizens.
Kano’s decision to convene this first CSOs Conference is therefore, historic. It signals a new chapter where inclusivity, transparency and grassroots-driven development are no longer aspirations but commitments. The challenge before us now is to transform the energy of this gathering into enduring networks, resilient institutions and collaborative frameworks that will outlive this moment and shape the destiny of generations yet unborn.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, and respected members of Civil Society, permit me to also address you today on a matter that defines the very soul of governance that is accountability and transparency, in total reference to the present administration of Kano State, under our able Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration is uncompromising in its zero-tolerance stance on corruption. It has institutionalized reforms that align with global best practices. Guided by the amended Public Procurement Law of 2021, it has entrenched systems that ensure value for money, quality delivery and citizens’ trust.
Some of the Key reforms under the administration include:
Strict enforcement of procurement law through transparent bidding and issuance of “No Objection” certificates.
Periodic procurement audits to guarantee compliance and stop malpractice.
Annual Procurement and Disposal Plan (APDP) to align spending with real priorities.
Digitization of processes through the Kano State Integrated Monitoring System (KSIMS) and e-procurement platforms, almost completed, to track projects in real-time.
Monthly project monitoring across all LGAs, with reports sent directly to the Governor for corrective action.
Capacity-building workshops for Ministries, Departments and Agencies to instil discipline and compliance.
Community and CSOs engagement, ensuring citizens are co-owners of projects and watchdogs over execution.
Open communication, where all State Executive Council’s approvals are made public immediately for citizens to follow.
Prudent Financial Management, where all financial releases now pass through the Accountant General’s office independently, without interference or kickbacks. This is a clear departure from the past.
Our Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) now operates freely, without political pressure, ensuring fiscal discipline and strict accountability.
These steps are not cosmetic, they are structural safeguards against corruption. They reflect our determination to replace secrecy with openness, waste with prudence and suspicion with trust.
The government’s commitment to accountability is also evident in the reforms across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, where Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf insists on due process and demands, value for money spent on every project. The milestones on the promotion of accountable governance and inclusivity can also be seen in the promotion of gender equity where sensitive appointments are given to women to recognize their stake and contributions, such as female High Court Judges, MDs, DGs, ES and PSs at strategic positions. In the Health Sector, our Ministry of Health. collaborates with civic groups to reach underserved communities, ensuring that healthcare is not a privilege for a few but a right for all. In the fight against gender-based violence, we work with NGOs through the Waraka Centre to provide medical, legal and psychosocial support to survivors. In education, we partner with community organizations to bridge gaps in access and quality, especially in rural areas.
These are not isolated initiatives, they represent a pattern of governance evident in other MDAs and official engagements.
The legacy we are building under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is simple. We are building a Kano where public funds are safeguarded, where projects meet real needs, and where trust is stronger than propaganda. Therefore, today at this important gathering, government and civil society meet not as adversaries, but as partners in the noble mission of building a just, open and accountable society.
The presence of vibrant Civil Society Organizations is proof that democracy is alive. Governments thrive when citizens participate, and accountability is the heartbeat of trust. This is why the administration of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has made accountability, openness and transparency the pillars of governance in Kano State.
In practical terms, we have created spaces where CSOs are not just observers but active participants. Our deliberate efforts at encouraging inclusivity and open forums have made policy-making a shared responsibility. Through our adoption of the Open Government Partnership framework, decisions are co-created with the people, not imposed on the people
And our commitment to transparency is also reflected in the courage to admit where gaps exist, and to welcome constructive criticism for effective solutions in good faith.
Permit me, at this point, to highlight one of the most recent and courageous steps of this administration.
You will recall that on 11 July 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a landmark ruling, declaring that all 774 Local Government Areas across the country must enjoy full financial autonomy. The Court ordered that funds meant for LGAs be paid directly to them from the Federation Account, and not retained or diverted by state governments.
That ruling, as you all know, was greeted with drama and debate, some states hesitated, some resisted, and others tried to delay its implementation. But here in Kano, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, we have chosen the path of fidelity to the law, and loyalty to the people.
At the 31st Executive Council Meeting of 12th September 2025, the Government of Kano State resolved to transmit a Bill to the State House of Assembly, seeking to guarantee both financial and administrative autonomy for our 44 Local Government Councils Areas.
This means that Kano is not only complying with the Supreme Court’s judgment, but also taking the bold step of domesticating the law, ensuring that our grassroots governments are free to manage their resources, plan their development, and bring governance closer to the people. Although this is not coming to us, considering the fact that, granting local full autonomy, is not only a requirement of the law,as pronounced by the su[reme but rather a fulfilment of a campaign promise which we view as an obligation to our Government
This is not also in compliance with a court order. But it is a feat of leadership. It is a declaration that we believe in democracy at the grassroots, that we trust our people, and that we are ready to strengthen accountability and service delivery where it matters most.
The Government of Kano State believes that the more we open ourselves to you, the stronger we become, and the better we serve.
Therefore, this Conference is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a sustained partnership. A partnership rooted in mutual respect, guided by truth and dedicated to building a Kano State where justice, fairness, and accountability are not aspirations, but realities.
I urge you, the civil society community, to continue to engage us with sincerity and with the moral weight of your calling.
We, on our part, shall listen, and more than listen, we shall act.
Together, let us plant the seed of a new culture in governance.
A culture where the people are not spectators, but participants.
Where transparency is not demanded, but guaranteed.
And, where accountability is not imposed, but embraced.
Distinguished participants, transparency is not a destination but a journey. With your partnership, we shall walk this journey to the end. For in the end, the true measure of leadership is not in power exercised, but in trust sustained.
Let us remember that transparency is not an end in itself. It is a journey. And every step of this journey demands courage, humility and commitment from both government and civil society. The journey is long, but with mutual trust, it is one we can complete together.
As Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, I reaffirm today the unshakable commitment of the Kano State Government to this path of openness. We shall continue to expand civic space, and to deepen collaboration with CSOs for the progress of our dear state.
May this Conference mark the dawn of a new chapter in the story of Kano State.
I wish to use this opportunity to welcome our colleagues in the civil society space, who traveled from far and near to attend this conference, I wish you a happy stay in Kano and a safe trip back to your respective destinations.
Thank you and God bless
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