The Kano State Pension Board says it has cleared more than N21 billion in pension liabilities out of the N48.6 billion debt it inherited from previous administrations.
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Addressing journalists in Kano, the Executive Chairman of the board, Alhaji Habu Fagge, said the effort is part of a broad push to restore confidence in the pension system and improve the welfare of retirees.
He described the state of the board before the current administration came in as deeply troubling, citing cases of arbitrary deductions that slashed retirees’ monthly payments by half. He said the situation was worsened by the previous administration’s decision to borrow from the pension fund.
According to Fagge, the board has since made major strides, ensuring 100% monthly pension disbursement and settling N16 billion in liabilities so far, with an additional N5 billion set for payment soon.
He credited Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for showing compassion and political will in addressing the backlog, saying his approval for deductions at source has helped the board maintain consistency in pension payments.
Fagge also addressed the board’s involvement in state housing projects, explaining that 324 housing units were repurchased at N4.5 billion after they were allocated to the pension board as part of debt settlement.
He revealed that the board currently has over N4 billion in savings, with a proposal before the Board of Trustees to invest N3 billion in new properties and earmark N1.5 billion to support pensioners’ welfare.
Looking ahead, Fagge expressed confidence in the board’s sustainability plans, noting that recent increases in salaries and upcoming mass recruitment by the state government are expected to boost pension contributions.
He noted that the board has become a place of last resort for many desperate retirees seeking assistance. With over 4,100 new pensioners enrolled in December 2024 alone, the board is working to ease the pressure while continuing reforms to ensure no pensioner is left behind.
