Kano govt pays N5.6bn to former councillors

Kano State Government has paid the sum of N5.6 billion to 1,198 former councillors from the 44 local government areas of the state as allowances and gratuities.

The exercise is part of the ongoing settlement of outstanding gratuities and allowances owed them by the previous government.

The payment represented the second tranche in a three-cycle plan to offset a total debt of N15.67 billion inherited by the present administration.

Governor Abba Yusuf launched the disbursement at a ceremony held at the Coronation Hall, Government House,Kano.

Yusuf said the latest disbursement during the first May cycle follows the successful payment of N1.8 billion to 903 councillors who served between 2014 and 2017.

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He described the gesture as “a moment of justice, fairness and restoration of dignity” to those who had served with loyalty at the grassroots.”

He said the initiative demonstrated the state government’s commitment to honouring past leaders whose efforts had often gone unrecognised.

“Today marks another defining moment in the history of our state. We are not just paying money, we are affirming a principle—that service to Kano State will never be forgotten,” the governor said.

He said preparations had commenced for the payment of the final tranche of N8.2 billion which would cover payment to 1,371 councillors.

He assured that the last cycle is expected to be completed by the second week of November 2025.

Yusuf commended the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Accountant General’s Office, bankers, and leaders of the ex-councillors’ forum for facilitating the process.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the funds prudently to support their families and communities, stressing that the payment should be considered as an entitlement and a renewed bond between the government and the people.

Wild celebrations erupted at the payment hall when the former Councillors started receiving bank alerts indicating their entitlements which came in millions of Naira.

Outside the venue of the event was a beehive of activities with well-wishers and sellers of various commodities doing their own things.