The Kano State Government has paid a total of N32 billion out of the N48 billion backlog of gratuities and death benefits it inherited from the administration of Abdullahi Ganduje, marking a significant step in addressing long-standing obligations to retirees and families of deceased civil servants.
Governor Abba Yusuf disclosed this on Wednesday during the official flag-off of the sixth tranche of payments, valued at N5 billion, aimed at settling outstanding entitlements owed to former workers in the state.
Speaking at the event, Yusuf reflected on the financial burden his administration met upon assumption of office in May 2023. He noted that the inherited backlog of N48 billion posed a major challenge, particularly given the economic realities and competing demands on government resources.
“When we came in May 2023, we inherited a N48 billion backlog of gratuity and death benefits from the previous administration,” the governor said. “Alhamdulillahi, today I am happy to say that N27 billion has been settled in five tranches.”
With the commencement of the sixth tranche, the total amount disbursed has now reached N32 billion, underscoring what the administration describes as its commitment to restoring dignity to retirees and providing relief to bereaved families who had waited years for their entitlements.
The governor emphasised that the payment of gratuities is not merely a financial obligation but a moral responsibility. He described retirees as individuals who dedicated the prime of their lives to public service and deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labour without undue hardship.
For many beneficiaries, the development brings a renewed sense of hope. Some retirees, who had endured years of uncertainty, expressed gratitude to the government for prioritising their welfare. Families of deceased workers also welcomed the payments, noting that the funds would help cushion the economic impact of their losses.
Yusuf further assured that his administration would not relent until the entire backlog is cleared. He reiterated that mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that future retirees do not face similar delays, signalling a shift toward more sustainable financial management practices within the state’s civil service system.
Observers say the phased approach adopted by the government reflects both fiscal prudence and political will, as the state balances its obligations to retirees with ongoing developmental projects. Analysts also point out that timely payment of gratuities can stimulate the local economy, as beneficiaries often channel the funds into small businesses, healthcare, and family needs.
The issue of unpaid gratuities has been a recurring challenge in several states across Nigeria, often sparking protests and legal battles. In this context, Kano’s progress in reducing its backlog is being closely watched as a potential model for other subnational governments grappling with similar liabilities.
As the ceremony concluded, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to transparency and accountability, pledging that every tranche of payment would be executed fairly and reach the intended beneficiaries.
With N16 billion left to be cleared, expectations remain high among retirees and stakeholders that the government will sustain the momentum and ultimately bring closure to a long-standing financial burden that has affected thousands of families across the state.
