Kano State Government allocates N6 billion for gratuity payments to 5,500 retired civil servants

The Kano State government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has recently taken a significant step towards alleviating the financial burden faced by retired civil servants in the state. In a move that reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing long-standing issues related to unpaid gratuities, the government has set aside approximately N6 billion to pay the outstanding gratuities of around 5,500 retired civil servants.

This substantial allocation of funds for gratuity payments demonstrates the state’s dedication to fulfilling its obligations to retirees who have served the public diligently. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made this announcement during a recent conversation with the press in Kano.

It’s worth noting that upon assuming office, Governor Yusuf expressed his deep concern about the massive backlog of unpaid gratuities, which had reached an alarming sum of over N40 billion, owed by the previous administration. In response to this pressing issue, Governor Yusuf made a resolute commitment to clearing the gratuity backlog within the span of his two-year term in office.

The decision to allocate N6 billion for the payment of these unpaid gratuities was the result of discussions at the weekly Executive Council meeting held on a recent Wednesday. This substantial financial commitment underscores the government’s determination to fulfill its promises to retirees who have long awaited their gratuity payments.

The beneficiaries of these gratuity payments are primarily retired civil servants in the lower-grade levels, whose individual amounts do not exceed N1 million, with some as low as N150,000 or N250,000. This approach prioritizes those retirees who are most in need of these funds, ensuring that they receive their gratuities in a timely manner.

Importantly, Governor Yusuf emphasized that the Kano State government did not need to borrow the money allocated for gratuity payments. The availability of these funds signals the government’s readiness to commence the gratuity payment process without any delays.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed his personal dedication to resolving the longstanding issue of unpaid gratuities for retired civil servants in the state. He revealed that he constantly thinks about how to clear the backlog and settle the arrears. To this end, he regularly convenes meetings with key officials, such as the Accountant General and the Chairman of the Pension Trust Fund, to devise strategies for moving forward with the gratuity payments.

During these meetings, it was decided that the payment process would commence with retirees in lower-grade levels, as their gratuity amounts are relatively modest and can be processed more swiftly. The government has already compiled the list of over 5,500 beneficiaries who fall into this category. These retirees will begin to receive their gratuity payments in the coming week, marking a significant step toward easing their financial burdens.

The total amount allocated for these payments is estimated at about N6 billion, a substantial sum that has already received approval from the State Executive Council. Notably, Governor Yusuf emphasized that the government has the necessary funds readily available and has not needed to borrow any money for this purpose.

In reiterating the commitment of his administration to serving the people of Kano, Governor Yusuf called on the populace to provide maximum cooperation and support to his government. He emphasized that the government’s primary goal is to bring about positive change through effective democratic governance, meeting the expectations of the people, regardless of their political affiliations.

The governor’s announcement of the allocation of N6 billion for gratuity payments is a significant step forward in fulfilling the government’s promise to address the longstanding issue of unpaid gratuities for retired civil servants. It reflects a strong commitment to providing timely and much-needed financial relief to retirees who have dedicated their careers to public service. This initiative underscores the administration’s dedication to good governance and the well-being of its citizens. As the government moves forward with these payments, it is expected that retirees will experience improved financial security and a greater sense of support from their state government.