On Thursday, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State launched the distribution of N6 billion in gratuities and death benefits to 3,313 pensioners. The ceremony, marking the fourth tranche of payments from 2020 to 2023, took place at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf presented a dummy cheque of N4.5 billion to Habu Fagge, chairman of the pension board, underscoring his administration’s commitment to alleviating the longstanding hardships faced by retirees and improving the welfare of civil servants.
This payment encompasses various beneficiary groups, including those affected by the accumulated backlog that has caused significant distress. The governor reminded attendees that his administration had previously disbursed N6 billion to the first group of 4,915 retirees and N5 billion to the second group of 1,722. An additional N5 billion was allocated on January 9 for another 1,579 beneficiaries.
“Today, we are distributing N6 billion for death benefits and gratuities to retirees receiving N2.5 million or less from 2020 to 2023,” he stated. With this latest release, the total disbursed thus far has reached N22 billion, with another N5 billion earmarked for further payments by August.
Governor Yusuf assured that all outstanding pension benefits, exceeding N48 billion, would be settled to ease the burdens faced by senior citizens. He praised the pension board and relevant authorities for their diligence regarding prior pension investments while warning against any misconduct.
Encouraging patience among pensioners, he promised that all entitlements would be addressed. Habu Fagge noted that the current administration has paid N22 billion of the N48 billion backlog inherited. National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Godwin Abumisi, lauded the governor’s commendable efforts, labelling him a ‘star performance governor’. The Emir of Gaya and beneficiary Amina Muhammad also expressed gratitude for the governor’s supportive actions.
