Muhyi Magaji’s Transformational Legacy at PCACC - By Najibullahi Danjuma Musa
"Muhyi, that place is not working, go and make it work." That was the charge given to Muhyi Magaji Rimingado on his first day as Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) by the then Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Years later, it’s safe to say: he did not just make it work — he made it matter.
When He took over the reins of the Commission, it was more or less a quiet conflict resolution center running traditional “Zauren Sulhu” reconciliation sessions. While important, it barely scratched the surface of the commission's full statutory mandate — to handle public complaints and fight corruption. For that mandate to come alive, transformation was not optional — it was imperative.
And transform he did.
First came the establishment of the Operations Department, a game-changing reform that turned the Commission into a functional anti-graft institution with investigative teeth — with the power to arrest and detain. This wasn’t just administrative flair; it was courage. He faced fierce resistance, legal battles, and political pushback. But he stood firm and won.
Then came the expansion. Under his leadership, recruitment became merit-based, and over 90% of the current workforce were brought in, trained, and deployed through his initiatives. He saw capacity building as the only way to sustain the Commission’s relevance. These were not just appointments — they were capacity-building initiatives that redefined the Commission’s efficiency and professionalism.
But that’s only the beginning of the story.
Muhyi didn’t just raise a building — he renovated the Commission’s infrastructure and rebuilt its reputation. Today, PCACC is a symbol of fear for corrupt individuals, many of whom now dread facing the Commission more than any other law enforcement body in the state. The institution became known not just by its acronym, but by its new unofficial name: “Wajen Muhyi” — Muhyi’s Place.
He pioneered a transformation that saw even the high and mighty figures, held accountable. In Kano, impunity lost its sanctuary.
As if building a state-wide structure wasn’t enough, Muhyi extended the Commission's reach to the grassroots by establishing and staffing Anti-Corruption offices in all 44 Local Government Areas. These aren't symbolic outposts — they are functional offices playing real roles in the anti-corruption war.
His legacy includes bold interventions like price control enforcement and crackdown on hoarding of essential goods (food stuffs) during COVID-19 crisis and fuel (amid scarcity of fuel). These actions didn’t just resonate in Kano; they earned national and international attention, highlighting a Commission unafraid to wade into economic justice where others hesitated.
In terms of legal structure, Muhyi ensured that the Commission’s activities were backed by a team of professional in-house lawyers through a Legal Unit he created.
His strategic leadership also embraced transparency and global best practices by signing Kano State into the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and initiating frameworks like the Kano Anti-Corruption Strategy (KANSACs) and Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) in all MDAs.
He understood that change without knowledge is fleeting. That’s why he spearheaded the creation of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute (KANCI) — an academic and capacity-building hub that regularly trains Commission staff, civil servants, and public officials, bridging the knowledge gap in governance and accountability.
He also made public engagement seamless and inclusive. Suggestion boxes appeared across MDAs, palaces, and strategic locations — giving everyday citizens a direct channel to speak truth to power. He brought technology into the fold, launching Shawarata, an online complaints platform, and the PCACC Management System, which streamlined internal communication and management processes.
Even with the clock ticking on his tenure, his zeal to institutionalize change never waned. One of his final acts was securing approval to recruit 43 new staff — a move that underscores his focus not on himself, but on the institution and the future.
In a time where public service often serves private interests, Muhyi Magaji Rimingado chose the road less travelled. He chose justice. He chose integrity. He chose the people.
As he bows out, he leaves behind not just an office, but a movement. Not just a title, but a legacy. And not just a Commission, but an institution that commands respect across Nigeria and beyond.
To say this soul deserves an accolade is an understatement. He deserves a chapter in the history of reform in Nigeria. Indeed, in the war against corruption in Kano, there was a time, and that time was Muhyi.
Thank you for making the place work.
