The Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Government flagged - off the second phase payment of Gratuity and Death Benefits to some categories of beneficiaries from 2016-2019.
Flagging off the disbursement at the Government House Kano, Governor Yusuf reiterated the commitment of his administration to fulfilling campaign promises, among them is the settling of inherited backlogs of pensions liabilities to retired civil servants.
Governor Yusuf explained that, the government had settled the first phase of over N6 billion for 5,000 pensioners, while the second phase of N5 billion covers about 4,000 retirees and death benefits.
The Governor noted that, a transparent system has been established to ensure a smooth payment process, for effectiveness.
"To ensure strict compliance with the above guidelines in the disbursement of this entitlement, I am announcing a high-powered committee comprising of representation from Pension Fund Trustees, Sharia Court Of Appeal, Office Of TheHead Of Civil Service, Office Of The Accountant General, Office Of The Auditor General (State And
Local Government) Ministry For Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs."
Governor Yusuf explained that, sixty percent of the amount will settle senior retirees from ranks of Permanent Secretary while Forty percent goes to junior retirees.
He said, "beneficiaries of State gratuity whose entitlement is between 2.5Million –3.5 Million will be paid, beneficiaries of state death gratuity whose entitlement is between 3.6Million –6.9Million will be paid, Beneficiaries of local government gratuity whose entitlement is between 1.6Million –2.6Million will be paid, Beneficiaries of Local Government death gratuity whose entitlement is between 3.1Million –5.9Million will be paid."
Governor Yusuf said, Government will continue to pray the backlogs of pensions entitlements until the N43b is cleared.
"It is gratifying to express the commitments of our administration in promoting the welfare of the Pensioners in all ramifications so as to make the retirees and deceased pensioners
families live comfortable."
Also, the Accountant General of Kano state Abdulqadir Abdulsalam emphasized the determination of Governor Yusuf in offsetting 10 years arrears of pensioners in the state.
He said, the Government is committed and will not led the labours of the senior citizens of Kano go in vein.
Also speaking, the National President Nigeria Union of Pensioners Godwin Obumisi, represented by Abdullahi Tsoho Garba commended Governor Yusuf's welfare interventions for retirees and various reforms initiatives in the state.
Also, the Chairman Nigerian Union of Pensioners Kano state Mallam Salisu Gwale commended Governor Yusuf's interventions in gradually offsetting the N43b benefits owed the state.
He appealed to the Governor to assist in the retrieving of over N5b that was deducted from the pensioners by the previous administration.
The Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress Kano State Kabiru Inuwa applauded Governor Yusuf's labour friendly relations and other welfare initiatives to workers in Kano state.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of cheques as some beneficiaries interviewed expressed gratitudes to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
By Salejo Ali, Kano
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