Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has disbursed N5.6 billion to settle the backlog of severance and gratuity entitlements, including accommodation and leave allowances, owed to 1,198 former councillors who served between 2018 and 2020 during the administration of ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa the payment represents the second batch of liabilities inherited from the previous administration.
In May 2025, Yusuf had earlier released N1.8 billion to 903 former councillors in the first phase of the exercise.
Speaking at the disbursement ceremony held at Coronation Hall, Government House, the Governor explained that his administration inherited a total of N15.6 billion in outstanding obligations to former councillors.
He assured that the final tranche of N8.2 billion, covering 1,371 beneficiaries, would be cleared by November to finally close the long-standing arrears.
Governor Yusuf stressed that addressing the backlog was part of his covenant of fairness, accountability, and justice.
“This is more than a financial settlement. It is about restoring dignity, fairness, and justice to those who sacrificed for grassroots governance,” he said.
The Governor urged the beneficiaries to spend the funds responsibly to improve their families’ welfare and contribute to the progress of their communities.
The event was marked by jubilation as many councillors received instant payment alerts at the venue of the event.
While speaking during the second payment of severance gratuity and furniture allowance, the ex- councillors who are largly members of the opposition APC, blamed the former Governor of Kano State ans the immediate past Ag. National Chairman of the APC for denying them their entitlements.
“We wish to express our unalloyed respect to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who despite our political difference, was able to be fair and just to us, we remain indepted to him throughout his first and second tenure” said, the leader of the group
Signed
Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa
Director General
Media and Publicity
Government House Kano