Kano Pays N9bn Outstanding Retirement Benefits of Pensioners

By Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

As part of its commitment to improve the welfare of its teeming pensioners, the Kano State Government has paid N9.2 billion to 5,388 pensioners as their outstanding retirement benefits inherited from the previous administration.

This was disclosed by the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, while inaugurating an eight-member committee for the payment of outstanding retirement benefits for pensioners in the state.

He explained that the Ganduje administration had successfully sustained the payment of monthly pension to the tune of over N1.2 billion to pensioners across the state.

“The committee has been constituted to ensure speedy payment of outstanding retirement benefits covering gratuity, pension arrears and death benefits,” he said.

Gawuna also maintained that the Ganduje administration has shown so much concern for the committee to be inaugurated so that government could address problems faced by the pensioners.

He said the committee comprises experts of high integrity, and therefore urged them to screen eligible beneficiaries and ensure payment of their retirement benefits through their bank accounts.

The deputy governor further requested the committee to ensure that in case a pensioner dies while awaiting payment, their next of kin should present relevant documents through a court of law for screening and payment.

He then solicits for the understanding and cooperation of all pensioners and stakeholders towards complementing the efforts of the committee members in discharging their assigned responsibilities.

According to the deputy governor, the committee has Hajia Amina Musa, Permanent Secretary Establishment Office of the Head of Civil Service as Chairperson, while members include Hajia Uwa Makama, Permanent Secretary Pension Fund Trustees; Kabiru Ado Minjibir, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kano Chapter; Salish Ahmed Gwale, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners Kano Branch; Hambali Abubakar, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kano Wing; and Isma’ila Musa, Director, Final Account, Kano State Ministry of Finance.

Other members are Hajia Mauro Umar Tanko from the State Audit, while Alhaji Musa Tanko Garko, Director, State Pension Fund Trustees will be the secretary.

Responding, the committee’s chairperson, Hajia Musa, extended their appreciation to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for finding them worthy of the assignment which she said is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment and concern for the welfare of pensioners.

She then reiterated their commitment to ensure judicious use of the pension funds.

The committee will submit its report within a week after payment.