Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has relieved Alhaji Abdullahi Musa of his appointment as Head of Service with immediate effect, the state government announced in a statement on Tuesday.
The development took place on March 10, 2026, as part of administrative changes intended to enhance civil service performance in the state.
According to the statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the decision is part of ongoing efforts to reposition the Kano State civil service for greater efficiency, discipline and improved service delivery across government institutions.
The governor directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, the Permanent Secretary for Administration and General Services in the Cabinet Office, assume the role of acting Head of Service.
She is to oversee the functions of the office pending the appointment of a substantive Head of Service.
Musa has been instructed to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service by Wednesday, 11 March 2026. Officials noted that this handover process is expected to be completed within the set timeframe.
The statement expressed appreciation for Musa’s contributions and dedication to the civil service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the statement said, reflecting the governor’s acknowledgment of the outgoing Head of Service’s service.
The Head of Service is a senior civil service position charged with overall coordination of the state’s civil service operations, including implementation of government policies and administrative oversight.
Permanent secretaries typically manage specific administrative departments and support continuity in governance.
Governor Yusuf’s administration has undertaken several administrative reforms since taking office, including restructuring of local government interim committees and initiatives aimed at improving governance efficacy across different sectors in the state.
The removal of the Head of Service and appointment of an acting head may signal a continuation of efforts to restructure and strengthen the state civil service.
The change could affect the pace of internal coordination within the civil service, as acting appointments often preside during transition periods ahead of substantive appointments.
The appointment of Hajiya Maimota as acting Head of Service places administrative oversight in the hands of a senior career civil servant, potentially ensuring continuity while the administration conducts necessary deliberations on a permanent successor.
