Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Wednesday commissioned the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners’ Legacy House, the corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in Abuja, where the union endorsed him for a second term in office.
The endorsement came during the inauguration ceremony as the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of retired public servants and donated ₦100 million to support the activities of the union.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, commended Yusuf’s commitment to pension reforms, recalling that he was honoured as the Most Pensioners-Friendly Governor of the Year 2024.
Abumisi said the Kano State Government had settled ₦32 billion out of the ₦48.6 billion gratuity liabilities inherited by the administration, describing the intervention as a major relief for thousands of pensioners.
“Governor Yusuf has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare of pensioners. The settlement of outstanding gratuities has restored hope to many retirees and their families,” he said.
In his address, Yusuf described the commissioning of the Legacy House as a symbol of society’s appreciation for the sacrifices and dedicated service of retired public servants.
“Pension is not a privilege but a legitimate entitlement earned through years of faithful service. The true measure of any responsible government lies in how it treats those who have devoted their lives to public service,” the governor said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to clear the remaining pension liabilities before the end of its tenure while sustaining the prompt payment of monthly pensions.
“We remain determined to clear the outstanding pension backlog and continue implementing policies that protect the dignity and welfare of our senior citizens,” Yusuf added.
The governor also recalled increasing the minimum pension in Kano State from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living on retirees.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, commended Yusuf for supporting organised labour in Kano and across the country.
The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners thereafter unanimously endorsed Yusuf for a second term, citing his performance in pension administration and other critical sectors of the state’s economy.
