In a rare display of transparency and accountability in public service, Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Auwalu Sankara, has returned N301 million to the state treasury.
The funds were part of the allocation released to his ministry for the recently concluded Ramadan feeding programme.
The programme, aimed at providing food and relief to thousands of residents during the holy month, was executed successfully.
However, following a detailed audit of the ministry’s expenditure, a surplus of N301 million was discovered. Rather than divert the remaining funds or allow them to be lost in bureaucratic channels, Sankara returned the money to the state’s coffers in what observers have described as a commendable act of integrity.
Speaking during the official handover in Dutse, the commissioner stated that returning the funds was simply the right thing to do. “The funds released for the Ramadan feeding were used judiciously. After completing our assignment, we found a balance of over N301 million. That money belongs to the people and it is only proper that it goes back to the treasury,” he said.
The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, who received the funds on behalf of the state, lauded the commissioner’s action and described it as exemplary. He added that the administration of Governor Umar Namadi will continue to encourage financial prudence and reward transparency in public office.
The gesture has sparked widespread praise across the state and beyond. From civil society groups to ordinary citizens, many have hailed the move as a refreshing departure from the norm. Commentators say it sets a new standard in public finance management and sends a powerful message to other government officials.
At a time when concerns over corruption and financial mismanagement dominate national discourse, Sankara’s action is being viewed as a bold statement of integrity. Analysts believe it could serve as a catalyst for broader reforms in the way government funds are handled.
For the people of Jigawa State, the gesture is not just about money being returned — it is a symbol of trust, responsibility, and the kind of leadership that puts public interest first.
