Kano State Government has released an additional ₦5 billion to pay more than 1,000 retirees, officials said Saturday, in what the administration described as part of efforts to settle pension arrears owed to former workers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The payment, announced by the state Ministry of Finance, is the latest round of disbursements aimed at addressing long-standing complaints from pensioners who have waited years to receive their benefits.

According to the ministry, the funds were approved by Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf to ease the financial burden on retirees, many of whom depend solely on pensions for their livelihood.

“This is a demonstration of our commitment to the welfare of those who served Kano State with dedication,” a spokesperson for the ministry said. “The government will continue to prioritize pensioners and ensure they receive what is due to them.”

Officials said the money would be distributed to retirees across various sectors, including education, health, and the civil service. Beneficiaries include workers who retired more than a decade ago but had not been fully paid due to backlogs in the system.

The latest disbursement follows an earlier release of funds earlier this year, bringing total payments in 2025 to more than ₦12 billion. Government officials said the goal is to gradually clear all outstanding arrears, which have been a source of protests and public criticism in the past.

Many retirees have long complained that delayed payments forced them into hardship. Some pensioners said they struggled to afford basic needs such as food, rent, and medical care.

“I have been waiting for this payment for years,” said Musa Ibrahim, a retired teacher in Kano. “This money will help me take care of my health and my family. We hope the government will continue until all of us are cleared.”

Civil society groups have praised the move but urged the state government to establish a lasting system that prevents pension backlogs from recurring.

“This is a welcome development,” said Aisha Bello, coordinator of the Kano Pension Rights Group. “But retirees should not have to wait for emergency disbursements. There must be a transparent and sustainable pension system so that workers can retire with dignity.”

Pension reform has been a national issue across Nigeria, where several states struggle with arrears due to poor record-keeping, inadequate funds, and competing government priorities. Analysts say Kano’s recent payments reflect growing pressure on state governments to address pension debts as retirees increasingly voice their frustrations.

The Kano government has pledged to carry out reforms to improve pension management, including digitizing records and conducting regular audits. Officials said these steps are meant to ensure fairness and prevent cases where some retirees are left out of payments.

Gov. Yusuf has made pension payments a key part of his administration’s social welfare agenda since taking office. In his first year, he ordered multiple disbursements aimed at clearing backlogs inherited from previous administrations.

“We cannot build a fair and just society if those who gave their best years of service to the state are left to suffer,” Yusuf said in a statement earlier this year.

For many pensioners in Kano, the latest release offers relief, but uncertainty remains about when all outstanding payments will be cleared. Some retirees are still waiting for verification of their documents, while others worry future delays could return if government revenues fall.

The Ministry of Finance said the government is committed to making pension settlements a routine priority in the state budget until the backlog is completely resolved.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with broader economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment, pensioners in Kano say they hope timely payments will help them live with dignity after years of public service.