Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has pledged to clear the backlog of pensions owed to retirees before the end of his tenure in 2027.
Speaking at a meeting with pensioners’ associations, the governor acknowledged the severe hardship retirees face due to unpaid entitlements, describing the situation as “a moral burden on the conscience of government.”
Governor Yusuf outlined a phased repayment plan, noting that resources have already been earmarked in the state’s budget to tackle arrears. He also revealed that measures are being put in place to prevent future accumulation of pension debts, including stricter payroll audits and reforms in pension fund management.
Observers have welcomed the commitment, but some warn that the scale of pension liabilities in Kano could prove overwhelming without consistent political will. Analysts say Yusuf’s move may also carry significant electoral weight, as pensioners and their families form an important voting bloc ahead of future elections.
