By Usman Usman Garba
The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has accepted the resignation of the Commissioner for Water Resources, Umar Haruna Doguwa.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Doguwa formally tendered his resignation on Monday, March 2, 2026, with effect from March 3.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the former commissioner for what he described as his commitment and dedicated service to the state.
“The Governor appreciates Hon. Doguwa’s loyalty and contributions to the development of Kano State. His service to the administration has been marked by diligence and commitment,” the statement read.
Yusuf recalled that Doguwa previously served as Commissioner for Education, where he played a key role in advancing educational policies and reforms, including the declaration of a state of emergency on education, before his redeployment to the Ministry of Water Resources.
The governor noted that within one year at the Water Resources Ministry, milestones were recorded in the rehabilitation of water facilities and expansion of potable water supply to several communities.
“Within a short period, the ministry witnessed improvements in service delivery and institutional capacity under his leadership. These achievements align with our vision of ensuring sustainable water access for all citizens,” Yusuf was quoted as saying.
He described Doguwa as a disciplined and hardworking public servant whose contributions would remain part of the administration’s record.
The governor wished him success in his future endeavours and assured residents that the government would sustain progress in the water sector.
Yusuf also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted water supply and improving the welfare of residents across the state.
Meanwhile, the governor directed the Commissioner for Education, Gwani Dr. Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, to supervise the Ministry of Water Resources pending the appointment or redeployment of a substantive commissioner.
The resignation comes amid political realignments in the state following Yusuf’s recent defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress.
PUNCH reports that Doguwa had in January defected from the NNPP to the APC at a rally held in Doguwa Local Government Area, where he was formally received by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum, Alhassan Ado Doguwa.
At the event, Umar Haruna Doguwa said his decision was aimed at aligning with the prevailing political direction in the state.
His defection drew attention within political circles, particularly given his influence in the Doguwa axis and his previous leadership role within the NNPP structure in the state.
Observers noted that his movement, alongside other key figures, contributed to the weakening of NNPP structures in parts of Doguwa and Tudun-Wada local government areas ahead of the 2027 general elections.
