Staff of the Kano State Investment and Properties (KSIP) have raised concerns over the non-implementation of the newly approved N71,000 minimum wage in their salaries.
The Kano State Executive Council, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, had approved the new wage structure, set to take effect from November 2024. However, KSIP employees are yet to benefit from the increase, raising concerns amid the country’s rising inflation.
Findings indicate that workers at the state-owned company remain uncertain about when they will receive the revised wage, despite the implementation date being just four months away.
*Allegations Against the Managing Director*
Reports indicate that KSIP’s Managing Director, Auwalu Muktari Bichi, has already instructed the Finance and Accounts Department to adjust his own salary in line with the state government’s policy. However, the same adjustment has not been extended to the entire workforce.
An anonymous source within KSIP has alleged that Bichi has enriched himself and his family with multiple plots of land belonging to the Kano State Government under KSIP’s management.
Regarding the new minimum wage, the source questioned why Bichi claims the budget has not been approved yet managed to pay himself the revised salary.
The source further emphasized that KSIP staff work five days a week and operate under corporate standards, asserting that they deserve the salary increment approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
*Staff Complaints and Calls for Investigation*
KSIP employees have called for a thorough investigation into the tenure of Auwalu Muktari Bichi, alleging numerous wrongdoings since his appointment.
Another source alleged that the Managing Director frequently threatens staff with dismissal over issues purportedly deemed violations of the company’s Conditions of Service.
Additionally, the source claimed that the recent dismissal of the former General Manager of Operations was unjust, as the case was not properly investigated. According to the source, the Managing Director personally orchestrated the official’s suspension, which ultimately led to his termination.
Furthermore, staff pointed to the Kanawa Taxi Association controversy, which is already under investigation by the state’s anti-graft agency, as another instance of alleged abuse of power by the Managing Director.
It was also alleged that Bichi has involved his family in the company’s day-to-day affairs, a situation many within the organization can reportedly attest to.
“There is an urgent need for a thorough investigation by the state’s anti-graft agency and the supervising ministry to curb potential abuse of power within the organization. Failure to address these concerns could undermine public trust in the current administration, whereas a fair inquiry could help restore the lost credibility of KSIP,” a source stated.
*Government’s Stance on the Minimum Wage*
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had earlier received a report from the State Minimum Wage Committee, tasked with reviewing and recommending adjustments to the wage structure. While the committee’s recommendations were expected to be made public, there has been no official update on the implementation process.
This situation mirrors similar delays previously experienced by workers at the Kano State Water Board, who also faced uncertainties regarding their wage adjustments.
KSIP staff are now urging the state government to intervene and ensure that all employees benefit from the new wage policy, as approved by the Kano State Executive Council.
Attempts to reach the Managing Director for a response to the claims made by some KSIP staff have been unsuccessful. He has not been answering calls, and his aide disclosed that he has not been to the office since last Tuesday.
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