Kano Govt Releases ₦5 Billion for Second Phase of Pension Benefits

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has launched the N5 billion second phase of retirement and death benefits, aimed at addressing the entitlements of approximately 4,000 state and local government retirees. This initiative follows an earlier disbursement of N6 billion in November 2023 to clear the backlog of entitlements left by the previous administration.

In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday, Governor Yusuf emphasized the administration’s ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of pensioners. He inherited a pension system in disarray, plagued by corruption, illegal deductions, and systemic irregularities that left many pensioners without their rightful benefits.

Governor Yusuf stated that his administration was driven by the dire conditions of retirees who had been denied their dues under the previous administration led by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. He stressed that the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) government is determined to correct the injustices inflicted on innocent pensioners who were not paid gratuity during Ganduje’s eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2023.

The governor detailed the efforts of his administration, noting that the initial N6 billion phase successfully allocated funds to settle retirement gratuity and death benefits for 5,333 pensioners, including both state and local government retirees and families of deceased civil servants. The second phase of N5 billion is specifically aimed at settling pension arrears for approximately 4,000 retirees.

To ensure equitable and transparent disbursement, the administration has established stringent criteria, with benefits ranging from N1.6 million to N6.9 million. A distinguished committee comprising representatives from the Pension Fund Trustees, the Sharia Court of Appeal, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, and other key agencies has been formed to oversee the process.

Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to championing the interests of pensioners, emphasizing that pension and gratuity are fundamental rights, not privileges. He underscored the state’s obligation to promptly fulfill its commitments to elderly retirees, as promised during the election campaigns.

In a move to highlight transparency and accountability, Governor Yusuf announced that monthly pensions are now disbursed on or before the 25th of each month, free from arbitrary deductions, marking a significant departure from past practices.

Recently, the National Union of Pensioners recognized Governor Yusuf as the most Pensioners-Friendly Governor of 2024, acknowledging his dedication to the welfare of pensioners.