Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has disbursed the final tranche of N8.23 billion as severance gratuity, accommodation and leave allowances to 1,371 former local government councillors who served between 2021 and 2024.
The governor flagged off the payment on Tuesday at the Government House, Kano, recalling that his administration had assured beneficiaries in August that the settlement would be concluded before the end of December 2025.
Yusuf said a total sum of N8,228,424,823 was paid to the affected ex-councillors, describing the exercise as the fulfilment of a solemn pledge and a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency and social justice.
“This is more than a financial transaction; it is the restoration of dignity and trust in public service,” he said.
The governor explained that the payment formed the final phase of a structured three-cycle settlement plan adopted to ensure proper verification and accountability.
He said the first tranche was paid in May 2025, while the second tranche covered former councillors who served between 2014 and 2020, with the latest tranche settling the entitlements of those who served from 2021 to 2024.
Yusuf stressed that the integrity of public service required that legitimate entitlements be honoured, regardless of the passage of time or change in government.
He added that his administration would continue to prioritise the settlement of inherited liabilities.
The governor commended the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Attorney-General, the State House of Assembly and other relevant agencies for their roles in the documentation, verification and transparent execution of the payment exercise.
He also acknowledged the contributions of labour unions and civil society organisations for their constructive engagement throughout the process.
Yusuf said the completion of the payment marked a new chapter in the state’s fiscal management, noting that his administration was strengthening record-keeping, digitalisation and human resource systems to prevent a recurrence of similar liabilities.
He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds responsibly by investing in their families, businesses and communities, and called on them to support peace, unity and stability in the state.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hajiya Sa’adatu Yusha’u, described the settlement as a demonstration of the administration’s dedication to fulfilling its campaign promises.
Also speaking, Alhaji Abdulrazak Yau, a former councillor from Nasarawa Local Government Area, praised the governor for his leadership, saying the commitment to delivering on campaign promises was evident in recent initiatives.
The event was attended by top government functionaries, senior civil servants and representatives of the beneficiaries, who lauded the administration for prioritising the welfare of former office holders.