Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has announced a major reshuffle of his cabinet, which includes the abolition of the Chief of Staff (CoS) position and the dismissal of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Bichi.
The reshuffle was revealed during a press briefing on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa.
Governor Yusuf explained that the cabinet changes are part of his strategy to enhance the performance of his administration and ensure that the people of Kano State receive greater benefits from democratic governance.
“This is the first major reshuffle of my cabinet, and it takes immediate effect,” he said. “The decision was made to improve administrative efficiency and establish a political alignment that addresses the needs of Kano residents.”
The shake-up saw the dissolution of the Chief of Staff role, leading to the removal of Shehu Sagagi from his position. Additionally, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the SSG, was dismissed due to health concerns.
Several key ministries were also affected in the reshuffle, with some commissioners retained while others were reassigned. Commissioners who kept their positions include:
Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice
Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, Commissioner for Agriculture
Dr. Abubakar Labaran, Commissioner for Health
Engr. Marwan Ahmad, Commissioner for Works and Housing
In significant changes, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam was moved from the Ministry of Local Government to the Ministry of Higher Education.
Hon. Mohammad Tajo Usman will now oversee Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, while Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata has been reassigned from Higher Education to Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Hon. Amina Abdullahi, who previously led the Ministry of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, will now head the Ministry for Women, Children, and Persons with Disabilities. Hon. Aisha Lawal Saji has transitioned from the same ministry to Tourism and Culture.
In addition to these reassigned officials, five commissioners were removed from their posts:
Ibrahim Jibril Fagge, Ministry of Finance
Ladidi Ibrahim Garko, Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Baba Halilu Dantiye, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs
Shehu Aliyu Yammedi, Ministry of Special Duties
Abbas Sani Abbas, Ministry of Rural and Community Development
The former officials, along with the former Chief of Staff, have been instructed to report to the Governor’s office for possible reassignment.
Reacting to the changes, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa reiterated the Governor’s commitment to improving governance.
“This reshuffle reflects His Excellency’s determination to ensure that his team is equipped to meet the aspirations of Kano people. Some members have been reassigned to areas where their expertise is needed most,” he said.
Political analysts view the reshuffle as a strategic move to better position the administration for future challenges. Public affairs commentator Musa Bello described it as “a decisive step to eliminate inefficiency and introduce new energy into the cabinet.”
