By Our Correspondent
National News – The Abba Kabir Yusuf administration in Kano State has paid N32 billion in gratuity and death benefits to retired workers within three years, the governor announced on Wednesday.
Yusuf disclosed the update during the official flag-off of the sixth tranche payment of N5 billion to pensioners in the state.
The payments form part of the government’s effort to clear a large backlog inherited from the previous administration led by Abdullahi Ganduje.
According to the governor, his administration inherited N48 billion in outstanding gratuities and death benefits when it assumed office in May 2023.
He explained that the government has gradually reduced the backlog through multiple payment phases.
Yusuf stated that N27 billion had earlier been settled in five separate tranches, while the newly released N5 billion sixth tranche increased the total payment to N32 billion.
The governor said the payments were designed to address the financial hardship many retired civil servants and families of deceased workers have faced due to delayed benefits.
He stressed that settling these obligations is a key priority of his administration, which aims to restore confidence in governance and strengthen social justice for public servants who dedicated years to state service.
Yusuf also assured pensioners that the state government plans to clear the remaining N16 billion balance before the end of the year.
He explained that fulfilling the commitment would help improve the welfare of retirees and their dependents while demonstrating the administration’s dedication to responsible financial management.
The governor commended the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners for maintaining patience and cooperation throughout the payment process.
He noted that collaboration between the government and pensioner groups helped ensure transparency and orderly disbursement of funds.
Some pensioners who benefited from the latest payment expressed appreciation to the governor for addressing long-standing concerns over unpaid gratuities.
Several beneficiaries also pledged support for Yusuf’s leadership and promised to back his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
The payment programme is part of broader reforms aimed at stabilising pension obligations in Kano State and improving the welfare of retired public servants across the region.
