The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has launched a rigorous investigation into claims of financial misconduct involving over ₦4 billion in state funds, allegedly misappropriated during the tenure of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The probe centers on the controversial handling of funds related to the Dala Inland Dry Port project, a flagship initiative intended to position Kano as a key trade and logistics hub in northern Nigeria. The investigation has sparked widespread attention, raising critical questions about governance, transparency, and the stewardship of public resources in one of Nigeria’s most economically significant states.
The inquiry was triggered by petitions submitted by concerned citizens who allege that the Ganduje administration unlawfully diverted state funds to finance infrastructure for the Dala Inland Dry Port, a project whose ownership structure has become a focal point of contention. According to sources familiar with the investigation, the controversy stems from the transfer of Kano State’s 20% equity stake in the port project to private entities allegedly controlled by members of Ganduje’s immediate family. This transfer, which reportedly took place around 2020, effectively stripped the state of its co-ownership in a multi-billion-naira venture, raising suspicions of impropriety and personal enrichment at the expense of public interest.
The Dala Inland Dry Port, envisioned as a transformative economic project, was designed to facilitate trade by providing a strategic hub for the handling, storage, and transportation of goods in northern Nigeria. The port was expected to reduce pressure on seaports in Lagos and other coastal cities while boosting economic activity in Kano and neighboring states. However, the project has been plagued by delays, funding disputes, and allegations of mismanagement, which have hindered its progress and cast a shadow over its potential benefits.
Allegations of Equity Transfer and Misuse of Funds
At the heart of the investigation is the transfer of Kano State’s equity in the Dala Inland Dry Port to private ownership, allegedly orchestrated to benefit Ganduje’s children. Sources close to the PCACC indicate that the state’s 20% stake was converted into private hands, positioning members of the former governor’s family as directors and shareholders in the company managing the port. This maneuver, critics argue, was not only irregular but also a deliberate attempt to siphon public resources for private gain.
Compounding the controversy, the state government is said to have continued funding infrastructure development at the port despite no longer holding an ownership stake. Reports suggest that over ₦4 billion in public funds were allocated to contracts for the provision of roads, utilities, and other critical infrastructure at the port. Critics have described this as a “brazen misuse of public funds,” arguing that the state was effectively bankrolling a project that had been privatized to benefit a select few. The scale of the alleged diversion has fueled public outrage, with many demanding accountability and justice for what they perceive as a betrayal of public trust.
PCACC’s Investigation: Progress and Next Steps
In a press briefing held in Kano on Sunday, PCACC Chairman Saidu Yahya provided an update on the investigation, emphasizing its advanced stage and the commission’s commitment to uncovering the truth. “Yes, we received petitions from the public on the alleged diversion of over ₦4 billion of Kano State funds into the Dala Inland Dry Port by the immediate past administration,” Yahya stated. He described the probe as “top-level” and nearing completion, signaling that the commission is close to concluding its findings.
Yahya revealed that the PCACC has already taken significant steps in its investigation. Several individuals linked to the deal have been summoned for questioning, with one suspect arrested and subsequently released on bail after cooperating with investigators. The commission has also traced another person of interest to Yola, Adamawa State, and is actively working to secure their participation in the probe. These developments underscore the PCACC’s determination to leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of justice.
The chairman further disclosed that the commission has established a prima facie case, indicating that there is sufficient evidence to support allegations of wrongdoing. “The investigation has reached an advanced stage. We have gathered substantial evidence, and the matter will soon be taken to court,” Yahya affirmed. This announcement has raised expectations that legal action is imminent, potentially leading to charges against those involved in the alleged diversion of funds.
Broader Context: Ganduje’s Legacy Under Scrutiny
The investigation into the Dala Inland Dry Port scandal is the latest in a series of corruption allegations leveled against Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who served as Kano State governor from 2015 to 2023. Ganduje, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has faced multiple accusations of financial misconduct during his tenure, including a high-profile 2018 scandal involving alleged bribery captured on video. In that case, Ganduje was accused of accepting kickbacks from contractors, though he has consistently denied the allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated attempts to tarnish his reputation.
The current probe adds to the growing scrutiny of Ganduje’s administration, which has been criticized for its handling of public funds and major infrastructure projects. The Dala Inland Dry Port, in particular, has been a lightning rod for controversy, with disputes over ownership, funding, and delays hampering its development. The project’s potential to drive economic growth in northern Nigeria has been overshadowed by allegations of mismanagement and self-interest, leaving many residents frustrated and disillusioned.
Public Reaction and Implications
The allegations surrounding the Dala Inland Dry Port have sparked widespread debate in Kano and beyond, with citizens and civil society groups calling for greater transparency and accountability in governance. The project was initially hailed as a game-changer for the region, with the potential to create jobs, stimulate trade, and enhance Kano’s position as a commercial hub. However, the controversies surrounding its management have eroded public confidence, raising questions about the integrity of those entrusted with public resources.
For many residents of Kano, the investigation represents a critical opportunity to address systemic issues of corruption and ensure that public funds are used for the benefit of the state’s citizens. Advocacy groups have urged the PCACC to conduct a thorough and impartial probe, emphasizing the need for justice to be served without fear or favor. The outcome of the investigation is likely to have far-reaching implications, not only for Ganduje and his associates but also for public trust in governance institutions.
The Road Ahead
As the PCACC prepares to take the case to court, all eyes are on the commission to deliver a transparent and credible resolution to the scandal. The evidence gathered thus far suggests that the probe could lead to significant legal consequences for those implicated, potentially marking a turning point in the fight against corruption in Kano State. However, the case also highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s governance landscape, where allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of power remain all too common.
The Dala Inland Dry Port project, once a symbol of hope for economic progress, now stands as a cautionary tale of how mismanagement and alleged corruption can undermine even the most ambitious initiatives. For the people of Kano, the resolution of this case will be a litmus test for the state’s commitment to accountability and good governance. As the investigation nears its conclusion, the PCACC’s actions will be closely watched, with the potential to set a precedent for how allegations of corruption are addressed in Nigeria’s public sector.
In the meantime, Abdullahi Ganduje has maintained his innocence, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated. His supporters argue that the former governor’s contributions to Kano’s development, including infrastructure projects and economic initiatives, should not be overshadowed by unproven claims. However, with the PCACC’s probe gaining momentum and evidence mounting, the former governor’s legacy faces a critical test.
The outcome of this investigation could reshape public perceptions of governance in Kano and serve as a catalyst for broader reforms in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. For now, the people of Kano await justice, hoping that the truth will prevail and that public resources will be safeguarded for the benefit of all.
