Kano commences payment of N16 billion outstanding gratuities to former chairmen, councillors

From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

The Kano State government has begun the payment of over ₦16 billion in outstanding gratuities and allowances to former councillors and current political office holders across the 44 local government councils in the state.

The payment covers gratuity, accommodation, leave/recess, housing, and furniture allowances applicable to these councillors who served between 2014 and 2024, as well as to the present elected officers.

Speaking in Kano, the State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, stressed that the payments were based on fairness.

“The payment of gratuities to the former APC councillors is not a privilege but a right and a show of appreciation for their service to the state,” the governor said. “This moment is not merely ceremonial; it symbolises our administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding dignity, fairness, and accountability in public service.”

He added that members of the State Executive Council supported the decision regardless of the political backgrounds of the beneficiaries.

“It is not right to deny people their rights, especially after serving their people diligently,” he declared.

The beneficiaries were drawn from 484 wards in the 44 local government areas. They include former councillors, ex-vice chairmen, ex-chairmen, ex-supervisory councillors, and ex-special advisers who completed their terms without receiving their entitlements.

“These payments are more than just financial transactions. They are an expression of our values—that service must be respected, commitments must be honoured, and leadership must be accountable,” the governor said.

He appreciated the roles played by verification teams, finance officers, oversight committees, and administrative coordinators in the process.