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

The Kano State Government has completed the payment of outstanding allowances owed to former local government councillors, ending a financial obligation that had remained unsettled for more than a decade.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the disbursement of N8.26 billion to 1,371 councillors who served between 2021 and 2024, marking the third and final phase of the settlement exercise initiated earlier in the year.

The payments followed earlier disbursements of N1.8 billion to 903 former councillors from the 2014–2017 tenure in May, and N5.6 billion paid to 1,198 councillors who served between 2018 and 2020 in August. In total, the three phases accounted for N15.67 billion paid to more than 3,400 former council members across the state.

Governor Yusuf described the exercise as the fulfilment of his administration’s commitment to clear all outstanding entitlements before the end of 2025, describing it as a step towards restoring dignity, trust, and justice to affected beneficiaries.

He said the settlement marked a decisive break from past practices, stressing that public office holders should not be left uncertain about benefits lawfully due to them after service.

The governor also disclosed that serving councillors who assumed office in 2024 have received 50 per cent of their furniture allowance, amounting to N1.27 billion.

Governor Yusuf acknowledged the roles played by the Ministry for Local Government, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant-General, and the Former Councillors’ Forum in ensuring a transparent and credible verification process.

He further announced that institutional reforms are ongoing to prevent the future accumulation of such arrears, including the digitalisation of records, improvements in payroll management, and strengthened budget planning.

The payment exercise was witnessed by former councillors, senior government officials, and labour union representatives, with several beneficiaries expressing relief over the settlement of the long-standing debt.