Kano State Governor, Abba Abba Yusuf, has pledged to clear all outstanding pension and gratuity arrears before the end of his first term, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of retirees in the state.
Speaking at the disbursement of the fifth tranche of N5 billion for pension and death benefits in Kano at the state government house on Wednesday, the governor said the exercise covered entitlements from 2017, benefiting 1,026 retirees.
He disclosed that his administration has paid N27 billion out of the N48 billion backlog inherited, noting that the latest payment was a step toward restoring dignity to senior citizens who had endured years of frustration.
“As part of our commitment to end the sufferings and predicaments retirees have been facing for years, we are determined to settle all outstanding gratuities before the end of this tenure, by the grace of God,” he said.
The governor also announced plans to empower 4,000 youths with N150,000 each as take-off capital for small businesses, describing it as part of his administration’s broader economic recovery agenda.
In his remarks, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Godwin Abumisi, lauded the government. Yusuf, for his efforts towards retirees in the state, is called ‘a star performer’.
Abumisi, while declaring the union’s support for the governor’s re-election in 2027, said pensioners nationwide would “reciprocate his goodwill” for prioritising their welfare.
“There are three categories of governors: the star performers who build infrastructure and pay pensions; the average ones who leave behind debts; and the ordinary ones who worsen the state. Governor Yusuf belongs to the first category,” Abumisi stated.
Similarly, former Nigeria Labour Congress President, Ayuba Wabba, commended the governor for addressing pension arrears, noting that such payments have a multiplier effect on the state’s economy.
Leadership reported that the latest disbursement follows earlier payments of N6 billion, N5 billion, N5 billion, and N6 billion in previous tranches to state civil service retirees.
