Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has paid the final tranche of ₦8.234 billion in severance gratuity, accommodation and leave allowances owed to 1,371 former local government councillors who served between 2021 and 2024, bringing to an end all outstanding liabilities owed to them by the state government.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Government House in Kano, Governor Yusuf said the payment marked the complete settlement of the entitlements long owed to the former councillors. The development sparked cheers and celebrations among beneficiaries, many of whom had waited for their dues since 2021.
The governor recalled that during an earlier disbursement of councillors’ gratuities, he had assured beneficiaries that the final tranche would be paid before the end of 2025. “Today, you can see that we have not only fulfilled our promises but settled everything we owed you,” he said.
Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to God for enabling him to fulfill the commitment, describing the completion of the payment as a significant milestone for his administration.
He disclosed that over ₦8 billion was released in the final tranche, bringing the total amount paid to former councillors to more than ₦15 billion.
According to him, the exercise demonstrated his administration’s commitment to social justice, fairness and the welfare of citizens, irrespective of political affiliation. He added that his government remains focused on people-oriented policies aimed at ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots.
The governor described the payment of gratuities and allowances as a way of honouring public service and noted that it would serve as a morale booster for those currently serving in various capacities across the state.
He thanked the former councillors for their contributions to grassroots governance and commended them for their patience while awaiting the settlement of their entitlements.
Governor Yusuf also appreciated public servants and relevant officials for working collaboratively to ensure the successful completion of the exercise.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State, Hajiya Saadatu Yusha’u, described the settlement of the liabilities as a clear indication of the Abba Kabir Yusuf-led administration’s commitment to fulfilling its campaign promises.
The event was attended by top government officials, senior civil servants and representatives of the beneficiaries, who lauded the administration for prioritising the welfare of public office holders and honoring its commitments.
