The Kano State Government and Islamic clerics from the Tijjaniyya, Qadiriyya, and Izala sects in the state have asked the Federal Government to extend the Central Bank of Nigeria's January 31 deadline to cease recognizing old naira notes.

The call followed the resolution of a meeting held at the Government House on Thursday by state governor Ganduje, top government officials, and Islamic clerics.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Hassan Musa Fagge, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, the meeting highlighted that economic operations in Kano had been halted due to the paucity of fresh naira notes.

"The meeting, therefore, requested President Muhammadu Buhari to recognize the pain caused to people of the State by the paucity of fresh naira notes and extend the deadline set by the CBN," the statement said in part.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna; his running partner, Murtala Sule Garo; APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas; and Islamic clerics, according to the statement.