The Kano State Government has taken a major step in addressing concerns about illegal salary deductions by announcing that it will put an end to all unauthorized deductions from workers' salaries.
The move comes after ongoing complaints from civil servants about illegal or undisclosed deductions, which many claimed were being made by some government agencies without proper documentation or consent.Governor Abba Yusuf made the announcement during a meeting with labor unions and representatives of civil service workers in the state. He stated that the state government was committed to ensuring that workers' rights were respected and that they were paid their full salaries without any unlawful deductions.
"Starting immediately, we are putting a stop to all illegal deductions from workers’ salaries," Governor Yusuf affirmed. "This decision is a response to the complaints we have received, and we are taking necessary steps to ensure that every deduction is lawful, transparent, and fully documented."
The governor's statement was met with applause from the representatives of various labor unions, who have long called for an end to the practice. Many workers have expressed frustration over deductions that were never explained to them, including contributions to various funds or purported loans that were never properly authorized.
The issue of illegal deductions has been a source of tension between the government and civil servants in Kano for several years. Some workers reported that they had been unknowingly contributing to various schemes or facing unexplained deductions for services they never utilized. In some cases, the deductions were allegedly made by unscrupulous individuals within the government service, which led to calls for greater oversight and accountability.
To address the issue, Governor Yusuf announced that a special committee would be established to review all salary deductions and ensure compliance with established rules and regulations. The committee will also investigate any complaints and take necessary action against any individuals found guilty of making unauthorized deductions from workers' pay.
"We are committed to transparency and fairness in all dealings with our workers," Governor Yusuf added. "All deductions must be communicated clearly, with the full consent of the worker, and all funds must be accounted for."
The state government also promised to provide workers with detailed pay slips and a full breakdown of deductions, ensuring that workers understand where their money is going. This will be part of the government's broader plan to improve the welfare of public servants and restore trust in the salary system.
Civil servants in the state have largely welcomed the announcement, with many expressing hope that the move will improve their financial security and prevent future exploitation. "For years, we have been concerned about unauthorized deductions, and today’s announcement is a great relief," said Amina Bala, a Kano state government worker. "We now expect that the system will be more transparent and fair."
The action taken by the Kano State Government is seen as a significant step in promoting workers' rights and ensuring that civil servants are treated with respect. As part of its commitment to good governance, the government has vowed to continue working with labor unions and workers’ representatives to address any other issues affecting public servants.
This move is likely to set a precedent for other states in Nigeria, where similar concerns about illegal deductions have been raised. The Kano State Government’s decision to tackle this issue head-on is expected to build greater trust between the government and its workforce.
