Executive Secretary, Katsina State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (KTPCACC)
By Katsina Times | Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Katsina Times:
Sir, can you tell us about the legal foundation of the Commission and what you have achieved so far?
Dr. Jamilu Abdulsalam:
Alhamdulillah. The Katsina State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission was signed into law in May 2018 during the administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari. However, the Commission did not commence full operations until February 12, under the present administration of His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, when the leadership was formally inaugurated.
When we started, we literally began from scratch. There was no office accommodation, no equipment, and no operational structure. We struggled to secure an office and gradually built the Commission to its present level. Now, as we approach nearly two years of active operations, we can confidently say that we have recorded significant achievements.
One of our core mandates is monitoring government policies and ensuring that they reach the intended beneficiaries. A clear example is the Federal Government’s social intervention programme where ₦75,000 was distributed to citizens. We ensured that beneficiaries across Katsina State received the full amount without any deductions or interference.
Similarly, during the state government’s fertilizer distribution exercise, we played a critical oversight role. The Katsina State Government spent about ₦21 billion to procure fertilizer and subsidised it to ₦20,000 per bag. Our responsibility was to ensure that ₦20,000 remained ₦20,000—without any additional charges.
The only approved extra cost was ₦500 for transportation. We arrested and investigated several cases where fertilizer was diverted or sold at inflated prices. In many instances, excess money collected from farmers was refunded, and diverted fertilizer was recovered.
Since inception, the Commission has received over 300 complaints from individuals and groups. Out of these, about 150 cases have been successfully resolved, either through refunds or amicable settlements. Other cases are still under investigation or before the courts.
Through our interventions, we have recovered between ₦250 million and ₦300 million in cash and assets. These recoveries were either returned to the Katsina State Government or refunded directly to the complainants, depending on the nature of the case.
Katsina Times:
What channels are available for members of the public to submit complaints?
Dr. Jamilu Abdulsalam:
We receive complaints through multiple channels. Individuals can submit written petitions, visit the Commission to fill complaint forms, or reach us via our official social media platforms. If a complaint requires further clarification, the complainant may be invited to formalise it in person.
We also place strong emphasis on public enlightenment. Our research and enlightenment department regularly engages the public through the media and community outreach, especially during major government interventions like fertilizer and food distribution.
During such exercises, our officers go directly to communities to ask beneficiaries whether they received their items, at what price, and in what quantity. We also provide contact numbers for reporting diversion or extortion, which has helped us uncover several malpractice cases.
Another major intervention by the Commission was halting exploitative staff loan schemes within some MDAs, where staff were given loans of ₦200,000 or ₦300,000 but made to repay as much as ₦650,000.
Following our findings, His Excellency issued a circular directing all MDAs to stop such loan arrangements unless expressly approved. This action protected many civil servants from financial exploitation.
Katsina Times:
Given the volume of complaints and the size of your responsibility, are you overstretched?
Dr. Jamilu Abdulsalam:
Indeed, the workload is enormous. Sometimes we work late into the night due to the volume of cases. Despite limited manpower, we are managing with the support of personnel from security agencies who assist us in investigations and prosecutions.
However, plans are already in place for staff recruitment in 2026. We are also establishing zonal offices across the state to decentralise operations. This will allow citizens to lodge complaints closer to their locations—for example, in Funtua or Daura—rather than travelling to Katsina.
Zonal offices will also improve efficiency in handling recovered items such as fertilizer, allowing redistribution within the same zone after investigation.
Katsina Times:
Does the nature of your work expose you to threats?
Dr. Jamilu Abdulsalam:
We remain cautious and conscious of our movements and interactions. Our approach is guided strictly by the law. We are not out to witch-hunt anyone; our goal is to restore order and ensure justice.
Some individuals may initially react with anger when invited, but after understanding our mandate, they often cooperate. Recovery is our priority. Once people return what does not belong to them, matters are resolved amicably in many cases.
We are committed to accountability, justice, and ensuring that public resources serve the people they are meant for.
