Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, Launches N5 Billion Tranche to Tackle N47 Billion Pension Backlog, Announces Major Empowerment Schemes

In a significant demonstration of fiscal commitment to the state’s senior citizens, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has announced the payment of a fifth tranche of pension gratuity and death benefits, totaling N5 billion. This latest disbursement, aimed at clearing long-standing liabilities, brings the total amount settled by his administration to approximately N27 billion out of the colossal N47 billion backlog inherited from previous governments.

Speaking at the launch ceremony for the fifth tranche, which covers over 1,026 beneficiaries from 2017 and outstanding post-tranche payments, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to restoring the dignity of retirees and alleviating the prolonged suffering of the families of deceased civil servants. The administration’s aggressive approach, which has seen five major disbursements since its inception in May 2023, has already seen the liquidation of over 50 per cent of the inherited arrears.

The Governor’s pledge is now focused on a definitive timeline: a commitment to clear the entire N47 billion outstanding pension gratuities and death benefits before the end of his first term in 2027. This ambitious target underscores the administration’s strategy of consistently allocating substantial funds, leveraging Kano’s status as a major economic hub and its improved standing in the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) receipts.

The staggering N47 billion backlog is a relic of years of political and financial challenges in the state. Historically, Kano, like many other states in the federation, struggled with inconsistent pension payments, resulting in mass arrears that subjected thousands of retirees to hardship. The consistent and massive payments by the current administration, therefore, represent a major shift in fiscal discipline and a deliberate effort to address a deeply rooted social justice issue. The Executive Chairman of the Kano State Pension Trustee Fund confirmed that the total backlog stood at N48 billion from previous administrations, out of which the current administration is making steady, commendable progress. This fiscal transparency and commitment have already earned the Governor recognition from groups like the Nigeria Union of Pensioners.

Beyond the critical issue of pension arrears, the Governor announced sweeping empowerment programmes designed to stimulate grassroots economic growth and social welfare across the 44 local government areas. The administration has organized a major youth empowerment initiative that will see over 4,000 youths benefit from a substantial start-up capital of N150,000 each. This scheme is strategically designed to foster the establishment and expansion of small businesses, injecting fresh capital directly into the local economy.

In a related development focused on fulfilling obligations to leaders at the grassroots, Governor Yusuf disclosed plans to commence the payment of the second tranches of the councillor’s sovereignty by the upper week. Furthermore, the continuation of the monthly women’s empowerment scheme will see 5,200 women across the 44 local government areas each receive N50,000 to boost their small businesses. This continuous support for women is scheduled to commence in the next coming week, with all necessary arrangements finalized for its smooth execution. The Governor called on all potential beneficiaries to prepare themselves as the state government finalizes arrangements for the smooth execution of these comprehensive programs, which are central to his administration’s commitment to mass welfare and the restoration of public trust in government.