Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has pledged to clear the backlog of gratuities and death benefits owed retirees in the state before the end of his first tenure in 2027.

Mr Yusuf made the promise on Wednesday in Kano during the inauguration of the payment of the 5th tranche of N5 billion gratuity and death benefit.

He said the backlog, amounting to N48 billion, was inherited from previous administrations, adding that his government had already commenced phased payments.

“My administration is committed to the welfare of our senior citizens who served the state diligently. We have mapped out a strategic plan to liquidate the N48 billion backlog before 2027.

“So far we have settled N27 billion out of the N48 billion and very soon we are going to flag off the payment of the 6th and 7th batch,” he explained.

The governor said the gesture was part of efforts to restore the dignity of retired workers and reduce the hardships faced by families of deceased civil servants.

He appealed for patience and understanding from the retirees, assuring them that the government would be transparent and fair in the disbursement process.

Responding, the president, Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Godwin Abumisi, commended the governor for the commitment and urged him to sustain the pace.

He said many pensioners had died while waiting for their entitlements, stressing the need for quick intervention to alleviate the suffering of surviving members.

The executive chairman, Kano State Pension Trustee Fund, Habu Fagge, said the board had a backlog of N48 billion from the previous administration, out of which the present administration had paid the total sum of N27 billion.

The Emir of Rano, Muhammad Umar, who spoke on behalf of traditional rulers, commended the giant strides of the governor, especially toward retirees as well as Kano residents.

One of the beneficiaries, Abubakar Musa, applauded the kind gesture of the governor, saying it would go a long way in alleviating their sufferings.

(NAN)