Yusuf Clears N8.23bn Severance Allowances Of Ex-Councillors

Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf, has disbursed the final tranche of N8.23 billion as severance gratuity, accommodation and leave allowances to 1,371 former local government councillors who served between 2021 and 2024.

The governor flagged-off the payment at the Coronation Hall of the Kano State Government House, recalling that his administration had earlier assured beneficiaries in August that the settlement would be concluded before the end of December 2025.

According to Yusuf, the total sum of N8,228,424,823 was paid to the affected ex-councillors, describing the exercise as a fulfilment of a solemn pledge and a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency and social justice.

“This is more than a financial transaction; it is the restoration of dignity and trust in public service,” the governor said.

He explained that the payment formed the final phase of a structured three-cycle settlement plan adopted by the government to ensure proper verification and accountability, noting that, the first tranche was paid in May 2025, while the second tranche covered former councillors who served between 2014 and 2020 and the latest, settling the entitlements of those who served from 2021 to 2024.

Yusuf stressed that the integrity of public service required that legitimate entitlements be honoured regardless of the passage of time or change in government, adding that his administration would continue to prioritise the settlement of inherited liabilities.

He commended the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Attorney General, the State House of Assembly and other relevant agencies for their roles in the documentation, verification and transparent execution of the payment exercise. He also acknowledged the contributions of labour unions and civil society organisations through their constructive engagement throughout the process.

The governor said the completion of the payment marked a new chapter in Kano State’s fiscal management, noting that his administration was strengthening record-keeping, digitalisation and human resource systems to prevent the recurrence of similar liabilities.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds responsibly by investing in their families, businesses and communities, while also calling on them to support peace, unity and stability in the state.