Kano clears N32bn of N48bn pension backlog

…Yusuf pledges full settlement by year-end

The Kano State Government has paid out N32 billion in retirees’ gratuities and death benefits since 2023, as part of efforts to clear a backlog of unpaid entitlements inherited by the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Governor Yusuf announced the latest payment on Wednesday during the flag-off of the sixth tranche of pension disbursements, where an additional N5 billion was released to beneficiaries.
According to the governor, his administration inherited N48 billion in unpaid gratuities and death benefits when it assumed office in May 2023 but has been steadily reducing the liability through phased settlements.

He explained that five earlier tranches accounted for N27 billion, while the latest N5 billion payment has raised the total disbursement to N32 billion.

“By the grace of God, we have now paid N32 billion out of the N48 billion liabilities we inherited,” Yusuf said, expressing optimism that the remaining balance would be cleared before the end of the year.

The governor noted that settling the outstanding benefits was critical to easing the hardship faced by retired workers and families of deceased civil servants, many of whom had waited years for payment.

He added that the initiative forms part of broader reforms aimed at restoring confidence in governance and strengthening social welfare obligations in the state.

Yusuf also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners for their patience and cooperation throughout the repayment process.
Some beneficiaries who spoke at the event described the payments as timely relief, saying the intervention would help many retirees meet pressing financial needs.

They also urged fellow pensioners to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to ensure the full settlement of the outstanding arrears and sustain reforms in the pension system.