Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has made changes to his cabinet, scrapping the Chief of Staff portfolio and removing the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Bichi.
This move, the governor said is a strategy to realign his administration for “optimum performance” and deliver “more dividends of democracy” to the people of Kano State.
According to Governor Yusuf, the decision was made to enhance administrative performance and ensure a pragmatic political realignment that prioritizes the needs of Kano residents.
This is the first major reshuffle of his cabinet since its inception in May 2023.
Shehu Sagagi’s office as Chief of Staff has been abolished, while Abdullahi Baffa Bichi was dropped reportedly due to health reasons. Some commissioners retained their positions, including Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, Commissioner for Agriculture; Dr. Abubakar Labaran, Commissioner for Health; and Engr. Marwan Ahmad, Commissioner for Works and Housing.
Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam moves from Local Government to Higher Education, while Hon. Mohammad Tajo Usman takes over Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata moves from Higher Education to Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Hon. Amina Abdullahi now heads the Ministry for Women, Children, and Persons with Disabilities. Hon. Aisha Lawal Saji transitions from Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation to Tourism and Culture.
Five commissioners were dropped, including 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; and Abbas Sani Abbas, Ministry of Rural and Community Development.
The Governor directed these former officials, alongside the former Chief of Staff, to report to his office for possible reassignment.
Speaking to reporters, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa clarified that the move is due to the Governor’s commitment to improving governance.
“This reshuffle reflects His Excellency’s resolve 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.