Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has fully settled long-standing allowances owed to former local government councillors, bringing to an end arrears that accumulated for more than ten years.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, the state government disbursed ₦8.26 billion to 1,371 former councillors who served between 2021 and 2024.
The payment represents the third and final phase of a structured settlement plan launched earlier this year. In May, the government paid ₦1.8 billion to 903 councillors who served from 2014 to 2017, followed by the release of ₦5.6 billion in August to 1,198 councillors from the 2018–2020 tenure.
With the completion of the exercise, the total amount paid across the three phases stands at ₦15.67 billion, benefiting over 3,400 former local government councillors in the state.
Reacting to the development, Governor Yusuf described the payment as a restoration of dignity, justice, and trust in public service.
“We are not just closing a ledger; we are opening a new chapter. Never again should those who serve the public be left in uncertainty about what is rightfully theirs,” the governor said.
The governor also revealed that serving councillors whose tenure began in 2024 have received 50 per cent of their furniture allowance, amounting to ₦1.27 billion.
Yusuf commended the Ministry for Local Government, Ministry of Finance, Office of the Accountant-General, and the Former Councillors’ Forum for ensuring a transparent and credible verification process.
He further announced key institutional reforms aimed at preventing future accumulation of arrears, including the digitalisation of records, enhanced payroll management, and improved 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, senior government officials, and labour union representatives, many of whom described the payment as long overdue.
