Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has announced the disbursement of ₦32 billion to retirees as part of a structured effort to clear a ₦48 billion gratuity backlog inherited in May 2023, in a move with significant implications for employee welfare and post-service benefits administration.
Speaking during the inauguration of the sixth tranche of payments in Kano on Wednesday, Yusuf stated that the intervention is aimed at alleviating hardship among retirees, restoring confidence in public sector employment systems, and reinforcing social justice.
The governor explained that the payments, which also cover death benefits owed to the families of deceased workers, have been executed in six tranches. According to him, ₦27 billion was disbursed across the first five tranches, while an additional ₦5 billion was released in the sixth tranche, bringing the cumulative total to ₦32 billion. He added that ₦16 billion remains outstanding, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to settling the balance.
“As at May 2023, this administration inherited ₦48 billion in gratuity backlogs,” Yusuf said. “However, ₦27 billion in five tranches, alongside the newly released ₦5 billion for the sixth tranche, has now been paid. In total, ₦32 billion has been disbursed, with ₦16 billion pending.”
Yusuf emphasised that the payments form part of deliberate HR and fiscal management reforms designed to address long-standing liabilities and reposition the state for responsible governance. He assured retirees that the outstanding backlog would be cleared in due course.
The governor also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners for their patience and cooperation throughout the repayment process.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Malam Abubakar Hussein expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful. He further urged continued support for the Yusuf-led administration.
