Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has uncovered widespread absenteeism among senior civil servants after a surprise inspection of the State Secretariat in Dutse revealed that several offices belonging to top government officials were still under lock and key at about 11 a.m.
The unannounced visit, which has sparked widespread reactions following the circulation of a viral video online, showed the governor moving through ministries, departments and agencies, only to find many offices deserted, with only a handful of messengers and security personnel on duty.
The inspection formed part of Governor Namadi’s statewide monitoring tour aimed at strengthening accountability, improving public service delivery and assessing the implementation of government projects.
Confirming the development in a statement issued Tuesday, the governor’s Special Assistant, Garba Muhammad, said the exercise was designed to monitor staff attendance, punctuality and workplace productivity across the state secretariat.
According to him, the governor’s visit reflects the administration’s determination to instill discipline and efficiency in the civil service.
“The day’s activities commenced with an unannounced visit to the Jigawa State Secretariat Complex in Dutse, where the Governor monitored staff attendance, punctuality and workplace productivity,” the statement said.
“The exercise reflects his administration’s continued drive to promote discipline, accountability and an efficient public service.”
Following the inspection, Governor Namadi travelled to Ringim Local Government Area to sympathise with families affected by the recent boat tragedy at Malamawar ‘Yan Dutse community.
He participated in funeral prayers for victims whose bodies had been recovered, while search efforts continued for those still missing. The governor also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Ringim, praying for the repose of the deceased and comfort for grieving families.
The governor later proceeded to inspect ongoing infrastructure projects, including township road networks in Sankara and the Kanya Babba road project, before moving to Kazaure to assess work at major government facilities such as hospitals, the Jigawa State Research Institute and the Jigawa State Polytechnic for Communication and Information Technology.
Muhammad said the extensive tour demonstrated Governor Namadi’s hands-on leadership style and unwavering commitment to ensuring government programmes deliver tangible results.
He noted that the inspection underscored the administration’s resolve to maintain strict oversight of public institutions, improve service delivery and fast-track developmental projects aimed at advancing the vision of a Greater Jigawa.