KANO (North-West, Nigeria) — Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has vowed to offset over N15.6 billion backlog of severance, gratuity and furniture allowance owed to councillors across the 44 local government areas of the state before the end of November.
The debt was said to have accumulated by the previous administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
While disbursing the second tranche of over N5.6billion to over 1,000 councillors, the Governor said offsetting of the allowances of the councillors had no link with politics as it is the entitlement and hard earn of the councillors who had served the state.
Governor Yusuf said with the disbursement, the administration had so far settled over N7billion with arrangement in top gear for the third tranche and the grand finale to settle over N8billion before ending of November.
According to him, “We are not gathered here merely to disperse false. We are gathered to affirm a principle that service to the people of Kano State at whatever level must be remembered, must be honoured and must be rewarded. Let me say that for a long time, many of our former councillors, men and women, who carried the responsibilities of grassroots governance have waited patiently for what rightly belongs to them. They gave their time, their energy and their sacrifice in service to the people.
“You may recall that the total outstanding gratuity and furniture allowances owed to former councillors across the 44 local government councils amounted to the sum of N15,6 billion.
“In keeping with the government of Kano’s accountability and justice, this administration resolved to settle the obligation in three cycles of payment. The first cycle amounting to N1,8 billion was successfully paid on 28 May 2025, covering 903 retired councillors who served between 2014 to 2017. Today marks the second cycle, we are settling the sum of N5,6 billion meant for 1,198 former councillors would be paid.
“Let me say here that for the third and last segment of this payment, which will be a grand finale, will by the grace of Allah take place as soon as possible. Arrangements are already at top gear. For the payment of the last segment amounting to N8,2 billion which will be paid a total of 1,371 former councillors. And which will finally bring this long-standing matter to a close. Let me say here that by the grace of Allah, we intend to pay you this last segment by the second week of November.
“By fulfilling this obligation, our administration is sending a clear and powerful message. The sacrifices of those who dedicated their time and energy to serve at the grassroots will never be forgotten. This is justice, this is equity, and this is the spirit of the present administration,” Governor Yusuf said.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo said the fact that the councillors were from a different political party cannot be an hindrance to the settlement of their entitlements.
The Deputy Governor, however, said with the settlement of the allowances, the Governor is setting a good example for others to emulate.
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