Kano: Yusuf begins payment of N16bn gratuity to former APC councilors

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has began payment of N16 billion outstanding gratuity to former councillors elected under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

A Statement by the state Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, indicated that the gesture was in continuous commitment at ensuring justice, fairness and equity in governance.

The payment covered outstanding gratuity, accommodation, leave/recess, housing, and furniture allowances to APC former councillors that served between 2014 to 2024, including current political office holders in the 44 Local Government Councils of the state.

Governor Yusuf said that the payment of the gratuity to the former APC councillors was not a privilege, but a right and a show of appreciation for their service to the state.

According to him, “this moment is not merely ceremonial; it symbolises our administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding dignity, fairness, and accountability in public service.”

Governor Yusuf said the initiative underscored the administration’s pledge to honour those who served and are still serving the state at the grassroots level.

He recalled that when the matter was tabled before the state Executive Council for consideration, members of the Council were unanimous in approving the payment of gratuity to all the former councillors irrespective of party leaning.

Governor Yusuf added that, “it was not right to deny people their rights especially after serving their people diligently, hence the resolve of NNPP administration to differ from the previous administration that denied the former Local Government legislators their right.”

Governor Yusuf further noted that, “councillors from 484 wards of the state’s 44 Local Governments councils who completed their tenure at different times, were denied their rights by the past APC administration, by refusing to pay them their gratuity saying “we can’t toe this line.”

The payments covered different categories of entitlements that remained outstanding for years, which affected former APC councillors, vice chairmen, chairmen, supervisory councillors, and special advisers.

The disbursements was designed to be executed in structured phases: Tranche A (2014–2017): 903 beneficiaries would receive ₦1.8 billion and disbursed immediately.

Tranche B (2018–2020): 1,198 beneficiaries would receive ₦5.6 billion between May and July 2025.

Tranche C (2021–2024): 1,371 beneficiaries are scheduled to receive ₦8.2 billion between August and November 2025.

In addition, a total of ₦1.27 billion has been earmarked and is now being disbursed to cover housing and furniture allowances for current elected and appointed political office holders across all local government councils.

Governor Yusuf emphasized that, the 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 also extended heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders, including verification teams, finance officers, oversight committees, and administrative coordinators, for their meticulous work that led to the successful execution of the exercise.

He concluded with a rallying call for continued unity and support: “Let us work together to build a more prosperous and inclusive Kano State.

“With pride in our collective effort and confidence in our shared future, I hereby launch the first phase of these payments,” Governor Yusuf said.