Gov Yusuf disburses N6bn to pensioners, pledges to clear backlog

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants, announcing the disbursement of an additional N6 billion for the payment of death benefits and gratuities.

SolaceBase reports that the event, which took place at the Government House on Thursday, in Kano marked another phase in the ongoing effort to clear outstanding entitlements owed to pensioners and families of deceased workers.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Yusuf described the initiative as a fulfilment of his administration’s campaign promises and a reflection of its determination to bring justice to those who served the state.

“Today marks yet another day of immense pleasure and privilege as we continue to honour our content promised by ensuring the payment of the backlog of graduates and their benefits to pensioners and other senior citizens,” he said.

He noted that many beneficiaries had endured years of frustration while pursuing their rightful dues.

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“We bring support to the beneficiaries and their families after enduring life-threatening frustrations and hardships in the pursuit of their alleged enrichment rights for many years in futility,” he added.

Governor Yusuf disclosed that since assuming office, his administration has paid over N22 billion in pension-related entitlements.

He stated that another N5 billion had already been set aside in the pension fund and will be disbursed by the end of August, with further payments to follow in September.

“Let me assure you that we will not rest until the whole outstanding benefits are settled, not only for the sake of the beneficiaries but also for the socio-economic development of our state,” the governor declared.

He emphasized that by the end of September, the government intends to clear the remaining arrears, amounting to over N48 billion.

Highlighting the administration’s efforts to improve the living conditions of pensioners, Yusuf said the minimum monthly pension in Kano has been increased from N5,000 to N20,000 since November 2020.

“The least amount a pensioner is receiving in Kano as of today is N20,000, which is being paid on or before the 25th of each month,” he explained.

He also announced the ongoing renovation of the headquarters of the state pension fund at the cost of N310 million and the provision of vehicles to support staff operations.

The governor expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners for their continued support and praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigating the illegal allocation of 324 houses meant for pensioners under the previous administration.

“Anybody found wanting, making dubious arrangements, or any other form of malpractice will be dealt with,” he warned.

In a symbolic move, Governor Yusuf presented a dummy cheque of N4.5 billion to the Chairman of PensionWork in the presence of officials from the EFCC and ICPC.

“I applaud the department of this N6 billion as well as the head of this scheme, who are our senior citizens,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to continue supporting retirees.

Governor Yusuf concluded by urging pensioners to remain patient and assured them that every kobo owed would be paid.

“We are ready, and I want all of you to exercise a little more patience because all your entitlements are going to be settled by the end of September,” he promised.