Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf on Friday ordered an investigation into the alleged deduction of N1.5 billion from workers’ salaries by the former Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa.

The governor issued the directive during the Workers’ Day march-past in Kano, in response to concerns raised by the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kano State chapter, Kabiru Inuwa.

“I heard the chairman allege in his speech that the former Head of Service deducted about N1.5 billion from workers’ salaries.

“Immediately I heard this, I summoned the Secretary to the State Government and directed that an investigative committee be constituted without delay,” Yusuf said.

He vowed that the government would take “drastic action” against anyone found culpable and ensure the funds are refunded. The SSG, Umar Faruq-Ibrahim, has been directed to set up the committee.

Governor Yusuf said his administration had settled N32 billion out of the N48 billion gratuity backlog inherited on assumption of office, pledging to clear the remaining N16 billion before the end of his tenure.

“We inherited over N48 billion in unpaid gratuities and benefits, which caused immense hardship for retirees and families of deceased workers. Through deliberate effort, we have settled N32 billion. By the grace of Allah, we will clear the balance within the lifespan of this administration,” he said.

He added that the government has maintained prompt payment of salaries and taken steps to improve workers’ welfare, including raising the minimum pension from N5,000 to N20,000.

Yusuf noted that his administration established the Local Government Service Commission to align the careers of council workers with other arms of the public service. He added that the government has also sustained pre-retirement training programmes to prepare officers for life after service.

“Workers’ Day symbolises the historic struggles and aspirations of the working class. Here in Kano, our workforce remains the engine room of governance and development. From the onset, this administration has recognised organised labour as a critical partner in progress,” the governor noted.

Earlier, NLC Chairman Kabiru Inuwa had urged the state government to probe the N1.5 billion deduction allegation. He also appealed for the harmonisation of salaries for local and state government workers to boost morale and uphold equality. (The Nation)