Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the release of sixteen billion naira to settle outstanding pension benefits.
The governor stated this while launching the disbursement of the third phase of Pension benefits which took place at government house Kano.
Governor Yusuf noted that the disbursement of N5 billion marks the third phase of his administration efforts to alleviate the suffering of pensioners, who had been denied their benefits for eight years.
He vowed during his campaign in 2023, to address the issue of pension backload which had led to the loss of lives among pensioners waiting for their gratuities and pensions.
The Governor sàid immediately after assuming office, his administration injected over N6 billion to settle part of the backlog, followed by an additional N5 billion.
“The latest release of N5 billion brings the total amount disbursed to N16 billion” the Governor added.
The governor described the payment as a moral obligation and assured pensioners that the funds would be credited directly into their bank accounts to ensure accountability, adding that two thousand pensioners will benefit from the gesture.
He also announced an upward review of pension benefits from N5,000 to N20,000 to cushion the economic hardship faced by pensioners.
The state Head Service, Alhaji Abdullahi commended the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of pensioners, stating that the review of pension benefits demonstrates the appreciation and honor given to the services rendered by pensioners.
On his part, the National President of the Union of Pensioners, Godswil Abumesi, represented by Assan Sambe Thomas commended Governor Yusuf for settling the backlog of pensioners and urged other state governments to emulate the gesture.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Malam Garba Dakata lauds governor Abba Kabir efforts in settling their long outstanding benefits.
