Kano Gov Clears Decade-Old Debt, Pays N15.67bn to Ex-Councillors

…As Governor Abba Yusuf fulfills pledge, vows to end era of unpaid benefits

Kano State Government has concluded the payment of outstanding allowances owed to former Local Government council members, closing a financial burden that spanned over a decade.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the disbursement of N8.26 billion to 1,371 councillors who served between 2021 and 2024.

The payment is the third and final phase of a settlement plan initiated by the state government earlier this year.

In May, the government paid N1.8 billion to 903 former councillors (2014–2017), followed by N5.6 billion to 1,198 others (2018–2020) in August. The total payout across the three cycles amounts to N15.67 billion, benefiting over 3,400 former council members.

Governor Yusuf described the exercise as a “restoration of dignity, trust, and justice,” noting that his administration had promised to clear the backlog before the end of 2025.

“We are not just closing a ledger; we are opening a new chapter,” he stated. “Never again should those who serve the public be left in uncertainty about what is rightfully theirs.”

The governor also disclosed that serving councillors whose tenure began in 2024 have received 50% of their furniture allowance, amounting to N1.27 billion.

He acknowledged the role of the Ministry for Local Government, Ministry of Finance, Office of the Accountant-General, and the Former Councillors’ Forum in ensuring a transparent and credible verification process.

Governor Yusuf further announced ongoing institutional reforms aimed at preventing future accumulation of such arrears, including digitalization of records, payroll management upgrades, and stronger budget planning.

“By settling this debt, we are strengthening the morale of those serving today and inspiring confidence in those who will serve tomorrow,” he added.

The event was attended by former councillors, top government officials, and labour union representatives. Many beneficiaries expressed relief and gratitude, describing the payment as long overdue but welcome.