Kano State is making significant strides in resolving its long-standing pension and gratuity debt burden, with over N21 billion already cleared from a staggering N48.6 billion liability inherited from the previous administration led by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Pension Board, Habu Muhammad Fagge, during an interview where he detailed the reforms and recovery efforts led by the current administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
According to Fagge, the board was in a dire state when Governor Yusuf assumed office nearly two years ago, with pensioners grappling with irregular payments and unexplained deductions that severely impacted their livelihoods.
Pensioners Faced Arbitrary Deductions
Describing the situation under the previous administration as “deeply troubling,” Fagge revealed that many pensioners were subjected to arbitrary and excessive deductions without justification, often losing half of their already meager monthly stipends.
“At one point, pensioners receiving as little as N6,000 had up to N3,000 deducted without explanation,” Fagge said. “There was no formula. We tried to understand the logic behind it, but there was nothing transparent. It was just irregular and unfair.”
The Executive Secretary also accused the past administration of engaging in unsanctioned borrowing from the pension fund, exacerbating the financial distress and creating a massive backlog of unsettled pension entitlements and gratuities.
N48.6 Billion Inherited Debt, N21 Billion Cleared
Fagge confirmed that upon assuming office, the current administration faced a daunting pension liability of N48.6 billion. In addition to this, the state was required to remit N75 billion in deductions that had already been imposed on local governments and certain Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Despite these challenges, the Yusuf-led government has made significant progress in restoring the dignity of pensioners across the state.
“We inherited N48.6 billion in liabilities, and on top of that, the board had to handle pension remittances totaling N75 billion affecting local governments and MDAs,” he explained. “So far, we’ve been able to settle N16 billion, and another N5 billion is scheduled for disbursement shortly.”
Fagge emphasized that this was made possible through strategic policy adjustments, particularly the governor’s directive to ensure that pension remittances are deducted at source—streamlining payment and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks.
“Since we adopted source-based deductions for pension remittances, we’ve achieved a 100% monthly disbursement rate,” he noted. “This has restored confidence among retirees and helped stabilize the pension system.”
Empathy from the Governor
Fagge praised Governor Yusuf’s commitment to pension reform, noting that although the current administration did not incur the debt, the governor chose to shoulder the responsibility in order to ease the suffering of retirees.
“Even though the debt was inherited, His Excellency took it upon himself to begin clearing it immediately. This is purely out of concern and empathy for our pensioners who had endured years of neglect,” Fagge stated.
He further acknowledged that while much work remains to be done, the pace at which the current administration is addressing the backlog is commendable and unprecedented in the state’s recent history.
Past Neglect vs Present Reform
The pension reform journey in Kano is a stark contrast between the alleged mismanagement of the past and the proactive governance of the present. Under the Ganduje-led government, the pension system was reportedly plagued with opacity and inconsistency.
“There were no proper audits. Deductions were made from pensioners, but the funds were not remitted. This created both confusion and suffering,” Fagge lamented.
However, he noted that under Governor Yusuf, the board has introduced improved transparency and accountability measures. These include regular audits, digital tracking of remittances, and pensioners’ verification exercises to eliminate ghost beneficiaries.
A New Era for Pensioners
The ongoing reforms have brought renewed hope to thousands of retired civil servants in Kano, many of whom had resigned themselves to years of unpaid entitlements and systemic neglect.
A retiree, Malam Sani Usman, who spent over 30 years in the state civil service, expressed relief over the changes. “For the first time in years, I receive my pension on time. I no longer worry about unexplained deductions. The difference is clear,” he said.
Another retiree, Hajiya Salamatu Inuwa, echoed similar sentiments. “We suffered a lot under the last government. Some people even died without receiving their entitlements. But now, things are changing for the better.”
Looking Ahead
Fagge assured that the state government is committed to settling the remaining pension liabilities in phases, with a goal to clear the entire N48.6 billion debt before the end of Governor Yusuf’s term.
“We’re not just paying off debts. We’re building a more sustainable pension system—one that future administrations will find strong and transparent,” he said.
He called on the public to support the ongoing reforms and urged pensioners to participate in verification and data collection exercises to ensure the integrity of the system.
Conclusion
Kano State’s efforts to address its pension crisis mark a turning point in the welfare of its retired workforce. With N21 billion already cleared and systems in place to ensure regular and fair disbursements, the Yusuf administration is setting a new standard for pension management and transparency.
The progress so far offers hope that the remaining liabilities will be cleared and that pensioners in the state can once again retire with dignity and peace of mind.
