Kano state governor, Abba Yusuf on Saturday, started the settlement of death benefits to deceased civil servants and gratuity to 6,000 pensioners, who exited from the civil service and deceased workers between 2016 and 2019.
Delivering his address at the event, Yusuf said the payment was possible despite meagre resources, inherited empty treasury and competing developmental projects as the government had blocked leakages of public funds siphoning and more viable projects for people of the state.
According to the Governor, his administration was highly concerned with the plight of pensioners especially those at the lower level as they are the end receipients of the economic hardship occasion by the removal of fuel subsidy in the country.
The Governor added that to ensure the continuation of the settlement of the backlog, ₦10 billion was proposed in the state next year’s budget for more inclusion of gratuity and death benefits of bereaved families of deceaseds civil servants to enjoy their legitimate entitlements.
He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of what they collected and invest wisely in lawful businesses for more incomes to cater for their day to day needs and other necessities of life.
In his submission, the deputy governor and Commissioner for local governments and Chieftaincy affairs, Aminu Gwarzo appreciated the selection of beneficiaries with not more than 3 million at the state level, 1.5 million at local governments levels all within grade level 1-6.
The Executive Chairman of Kano State Pension Trustees Fund, Habu Fagge, said the commencement of liquidating the backlog and ensure prompt payment of gratuity and death benefits was a clear indication of Yusuf’s zeal to better the lives of pensioners and provide succur to the families of deceased civil servants.
