KNSG Releases Additional N5bn For Second Phase Of Pension Benefits

KNSG 5Releases additional N5bn for Second Phase of Pension Benefits

By Hussaini Ibrahim Kafi

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state has on Saturday launched the second phase of retirement and death benefits worth N5 billion.

The Governor said the disbursement will cover the entitlements of approximately 4,000 state and local government retirees.

“This development follows the initial N6 billion released in November 2023, which settled the backlog of entitlements incurred by the previous administration.

“Our administration inherited a pension system plagued by corruption and irregularities, but has committed to rectifying the injustices and ensuring transparent and equitable disbursement.

The second phase of N5 billion will benefit around 4,000 retirees, with gratuities and death gratuities ranging from N1.6 million to N6.9 million. A distinguished committee has been established to oversee the implementation process and ensure its integrity.

Governor Abba Kabir also reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the interests of pensioners, emphasizing that pension and gratuity are fundamental rights, not privileges.

He addede that the announced that monthly pensions are now disbursed on or before the 25th of each month, free from arbitrary deductions.

The development has earned Governor Abba Kabir a recognition as the most Pensioners-Friendly Governor of 2024 by the National Union of Pensioners.

The Kano Governor administration’s efforts to address the plight of pensioners have been widely appreciated, and this latest disbursement is a testament to his commitment to their welfare.

“With this second phase of pension benefits, Governor Abba Yusuf administration has demonstrated its dedication to ensuring that retirees receive their entitlements promptly and without hassle.

“It’s my pleasure today to flagging-off of the second phase of the payment of entitlements to pensioners and retirees the Kano State Civil Service in the sum of Five Billion Naira (5,000,000,000) to settle about 4,000 beneficiaries.

“As you may be well aware, in November last year, our administration had distributed the sum of Six Billion Naira to deserving retirees who served our state.”

“This means that we have offset 11 Billion Naira out of the inherited liability of unpaid pension gratuity and death benefits of over Forty-Three Billion Naira (N43,000,000,000) that we inherited within a year.

“We shall continue to do more and deliver more programs and projects to better the lives of the good people of Kano State.”

Triumph newspaper report that this move is expected to bring relief and joy to the affected retirees and their families.