Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced that the government has allocated a substantial sum of N6 billion to make partial payments towards the death benefits and pension gratuity owed to more than 5,500 retired civil servants in the state.
Governor Yusuf has expressed his dissatisfaction with the backlog of gratuities left by the previous administration, which amounts to over N40 billion.
“By next week, they will receive their gratuities, Insha Allah. The total amount, as calculated, is about N6 billion, and it has been approved during the Executive Council meeting. Let me also inform you that we have the money readily available. We haven’t borrowed any funds to cover this gratuity,” Governor Yusuf stated.
He has pledged to clear the backlog of benefits and liabilities and affirmed that the decision was reached during the 7th weekly Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday.
The beneficiaries of these benefits will primarily be retirees at lower grade levels, with amounts ranging from N1 million downwards. It’s important to note that this money is not borrowed from any source.
Governor Yusuf emphasised his deep concern for retired civil servants who have faithfully served the state but were denied their entitlements by the previous government.
“I am constantly thinking about the issue of gratuities for retired civil servants. I frequently hold meetings with the Accountant General, Chairman Pension Trust Fund, and others to find a way forward.
During these meetings, we decided to start by paying those with lower grade levels whose entitlements have not exceeded N1 million or are just slightly above N1 million, down to around N150,000 or N250,000. We have compiled a list of over 5,000 of them,” he said.
Governor Yusuf has also reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of both current workers and retired civil servants in the state.
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