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Kano’s Kabir Yusuf: Best Pension-Paying Governor, Says Tonnie Iredia

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1 year ago

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Retired public servants as distinct from political office holders in Nigeria live in penury. The value of their pensions is not only too little for survival, disbursements are never regular leading to huge arrears of the otherwise meagre entitlements of retirees.

At the beginning of a new administration at federal and subnational levels in Nigeria in 2023, no less than 21 states of the federation reportedly owed retirees as much as N790billion inherited pensions and gratuities.

According to detailed findings by a team of Vanguard Newspaper reporters, only Kaduna and Kebbi states were up to date in the payment of pensions and gratuities to their retirees. All others led by Rivers and Benue states were ridiculously indebtedto the tune of N119 billion and N100 billion respectively.

Although the federal government often displayed a ‘father Xmas’ approach in bailing states out of financial problems, the government at the centre had itself failed to implement pension adjustments under the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, since the scheme’s inception some two decades ago.

It was therefore not only states that were owing retirees, the federal government did not perform better. Indeed, by July 1, 2024, that is more than a year in office by the present administration federal retirees alone were owed about N230bn pension arrears.

The rationale for the government’s neglect of citizens who had spent the better part of their lives serving the nation has remained inexplicable. Some states only pay current debts while pushing forward the inherited liabilities.

The few states that tried to clear the mounting indebtedness were visibly half-hearted in implementing the policy. It is against this backdrop that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state is singled out today for commendation for his pragmatic and continuous releases of appreciable sums to ameliorate the pains of retirees in his state.

Since 2023, Kabir has released a total of 22 billion in four tranches to pay pensions and gratuity. His consistent approach in dealing with the subject suggests that the debts will be a thing of the past at the end of his first tenure in office.

Having paid 50 percent in his first two years in office in line with his election promises, it is logical to conclude that he would ensure he keeps to his promise.If other governors can emulate the Kano example, the real essence of governance will take shape in the country.

More importantly, the high level of corruption in Nigeria today would drop considerably because serving public servants may no longer see the need to desperately pursue avenues for self-enrichment in order to avoid what is happening to their predecessors now to be their lot in future.

Put differently, whereas the anti-corruption agencies are making great moves in retrieving stolen public funds, giving retirees their entitlement will dissuade serving public servants from corruption.

Of course, Kebbi, Kaduna and other people-oriented leaders that have made different efforts to improve the leaving conditions of Nigerian workers past and present similarly deserve the same commendation being given to Kano today.

Hopefully,such praises would alter the disposition of some states that before now did not see the expedience of appreciating public servants who had diligently served society.

Here, a note of warning ought to be sounded to leaders in government particularly state governors who rather than paying entitlements to deserving citizens, divert public funds to themselves.

Unfortunately, such leaders have ignored the public cry in the land that they should stop the extortion of huge emoluments to enrich themselves as well as their friends and families. As a result, it would remain impossible to have enough funds to pay salaries, pensions as well as gratuities and still be able to develop society.

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It is generally believed for example that funds expended on legislators at both federal and state levels are enough to make Nigeria a greater country. In fact, newspaper and other frivolous allowances to law makers are far higher than the meagre pensions of retirees, yet the country is always able to satisfy such irrational spendings on the comfort of political office holders.

The case of state governors who maintain long convoys which accompany them on any trip within and outside the country is another example. It is indeed quite irritating to realize that all personal requests of leaders are taken care of from the public treasury. But when it comes to emoluments to public servants both serving and retired,such leaders are quick at remembering the supposed poor economic status of Nigeria.

To make matters worse, political office holders in many states are paid bogus allowances at the end of an 8-year tenure, a policy which is not extended to citizens who had spent 35 years in office. Sadly, the leaders were able to ensure that pension law provisions were made to accommodate their extortion which in clear terms is as bad as a typical crime against humanity.

The atrocious insensitivity is neither new nor reducing.The trend began from Lagos where the Public Office Holder (Payment of Pension) Law No 11 of 2007 provided for unreasonably lavish goodies which were quickly adapted or increased in some other states.

The law approves a house each in preferred locations within the relevant state andor Abuja; an average of two to six new cars every three or four years; 100 per cent of the incumbent’s basic salary; free health care for the beneficiary and family members, local and abroad and furniture allowance, house maintenance allowance, utility allowance, car maintenance allowance, and entertainment allowance etc.

It also provides for personal assistants, policemen, and operatives of other security services for life; including 30 days of annual vacation within and outside Nigeria.

Due to public outcry, some states purported to have reviewed the provisions but without substantially reducing the bogus expenditure. Indeed, some governors who are receiving such emoluments are reportedly also getting unapproved emoluments from the National Assembly where they are currently serving as senators.

In 2019 however, a Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the Federal Government to recover pensions collected by former governors who had gone on to serve as ministers and federal legislators.

Bearing in mind the high degree of impunity in the land, no one knows if the order had been obeyed or not. What remains obvious is the trend whereby political leaders live in opulence while the people they claim to be representing in different arms of government are in penury.

Leaders who abhor agitations and criticisms need to take note of the issues raised above and redress them without delay. One of the things begging for action now in our clime is an immediate end to the culture of long-drawn-out arrears of pensions and gratuities.

To faithfullyclearthe debts in line with the proactive stand of governor Abba Kabir of Kano is recommended. In addition, the irritating pension laws which approve bogus allowances for former political office holders who served for no more than 8 years should be abrogated.

To avoid a recurrence of such disposition towards official extortions,the existence of arrears of pensions and gratuities in any state should be made an impeachable offence to replace the current frivolous impeachments that are used to settle political scores.

It is worthy of note that President Bola Tinubu has himself gotten concerned over the poor management of pension matters in Nigeria. A few days ago, Tinubu directed the National Pension Commission (PenCom) topromptly implement “long-overdue pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee, which would provide a safety net for the most vulnerable pensioners under the CPS.

”In like manner, it is germane that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has openly berated the plight of retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

“According to the police boss, many retired police personnel”live in humiliating conditions that have instilled fear and anxiety among serving officers, thereby weakening morale across the ranks.”

If urgent steps are not taken to fall in line with the above feelings, no one can predict the nature of public reactions to sufferings by retirees. Only last month, retired police officers protested in Abuja, lamenting their poor treatment and humiliating pension payments.

In January, the federal government had to propose a 53 per cent increase in the 2025 budget allocations for military retirees following a series of ugly protests at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja over their unpaid entitlements.

A trend whereby retired personnel of armed services have to protest before getting their entitlement is clearly dangerous. It is thus a matter for regret that leaders in Nigeria take action on sensitive matters such as the livelihood of the elderly only after several protests. It is unwholesome and gravely derogates from the country’s reputation.

Tonnie Osa Iredia is Professor of Mass Communication, former DG NTA and Veteran Broadcaster write from Benin.

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Dangote Driving Agribusiness In North, Sponsors 2026 National Agric Show

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November 15, 2026

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Dangote Industries Limited has restated its commitment to expanding investments in Northern Nigeria’s agricultural sector, in alignment with the government’s agenda to strengthen food security, boost agricultural productivity and create employment opportunities.

A statement from the Group Chief, Branding and Corporate Communication Officer of the company, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, said Dangote Group is deepening its commitment to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation through strategic investments in mechanised agriculture, advancing major rice milling projects in northern states, alongside sugar backward-integration investments.

The statement quoted the company’s Regional Director and Senior Adviser to the Group President, Mrs Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, as saying: “These initiatives are designed to strengthen domestic food production, stimulate agro-industrial development, create employment and unlock the vast agricultural potential of Northern Nigeria.

Mrs. Wali-Abdurrahman said the Group’s fertiliser business represents a major contribution to Nigeria’s agricultural development, providing locally manufactured inputs that can help farmers improve productivity, enhance soil fertility and increase crop yields.

She disclosed that Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) is sponsoring the 2026 National Agricultural Show, scheduled to open on Monday, November 16, as part of its continued efforts to support and advance agricultural development in Nigeria.

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The Agricultural Show, organised under the auspices of the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria, will be formally declared open by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

The statement said the Group’s engagement also places emphasis on inclusive participation, particularly by encouraging greater involvement of women and young people, who remain essential to the future of agriculture and agribusiness in Nigeria.

It said the Group’s vision is to contribute to a more productive, competitive and self-sufficient agricultural sector, positioning Nigeria to harness its enormous agricultural potential, strengthen food security and become a major player in Africa’s agricultural economy.

Meanwhile, speaking to newsmen in Abuja, National Coordinator, National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN) Hajiya Aishatu Rufa’I Ibrahim, said this year’s Show is guided by the theme: Building a Resilient Nigerian Agrifood System: Empowering Farmers, Mobilizing Investment and Driving Innovation for Food Security and Shared Prosperity.

Mrs. Ibrahim said: “This year’s Agric Show is unique because it goes beyond the traditional exhibition of agricultural products. It provides a strategic platform for connecting farmers, investors, policymakers, technology providers and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions to Nigeria’s food security challenges.’

She described NAFN’s relationship with the Dangote Group as instrumental to its success in fostering private-sector partnerships that support Nigeria’s drive for agricultural development, industrialisation and food security.

She said: “The Dangote Group remains an important reference point in Nigeria’s investment landscape, and we appreciate its contributions to the country’s economic development.”

She added: “The message of the Foundation to Alhaji Aliko Dangote is to urge him to continue to expand his investment footprints in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. His experience in large-scale industrial investment can help transform agriculture through mechanization, agro-processing, storage, logistics and commodity production.

“The country needs more indigenous investors of his calibre to see agriculture not merely as farming but as a major business opportunity capable of generating wealth, creating jobs and securing Nigeria’s food future.”

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2027: Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi Donates Campaign Office to Kano APC Presidential, Gubernatorial Campaign Council

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19 hours ago

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November 14, 2026

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Hon. Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi, Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, has donated a campaign office to the Kano State Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Council (PGCC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The campaign council announced the donation in a press release issued on Saturday, and signed by its Campaign Spokesperson II, Hon. Sanusi Majidadi Kiru.

According to the statement, the donated facility, located at No. 10, Audu Bako Way, Kano, will serve as the operational headquarters of the Kano State Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Council.

The council described the gesture as a demonstration of political loyalty, commitment and personal sacrifice towards strengthening the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The statement said the provision of the facility would enhance administrative coordination, strategic planning and the effective execution of the council’s responsibilities ahead of the elections.

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The campaign council, while expressing appreciation to Dan’Agundi, said his contribution reflected a commitment to the party’s success beyond personal interests.

According to the statement, the donation was not merely the provision of office accommodation but a strategic investment in the organisational capacity and operational efficiency of the party’s campaign structure.

The council conveyed its appreciation to Dan’Agundi on behalf of Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the leadership and management team of the campaign council, the APC, its various directorates and members.

It described the intervention as an example of leadership by example, noting that commitment to party ideals should be demonstrated through practical contributions rather than declarations.

The council also called on APC leaders, political appointees, elected representatives, stakeholders, supporters and other party members to emulate Dan’Agundi by making meaningful contributions towards the activities of the campaign organisation.

It stressed that the task of preparing for the 2027 general elections required collective responsibility, unity of purpose and a willingness among party members to make sacrifices.

The statement further formally notified party stakeholders, members of the various directorates, political organisations, support groups and the general public that the council’s new headquarters is situated at No. 10, Audu Bako Way, Kano.

It explained that the facility would serve as the central point for official campaign coordination, administrative activities and engagement with stakeholders.

The council reiterated its appreciation to Dan’Agundi, describing his donation as a lasting testimony to loyalty, generosity and commitment to the APC.

It expressed confidence that collective determination, unity and sacrifice among party members would help build a formidable campaign organisation capable of delivering its mandate in the 2027 general elections.

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Bauchi ‌⁠‍‍Govt Suspends Emir over Alleged Misconduct, Inaugurates Probe Panel

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1 day ago

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November 14, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame, Aliyu Lame, in the Toro Local Government Area over allegations of misconduct.

The government also approved the constitution of a 12-member administrative panel of Inquiry to investigate the allegations against the traditional ruler.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday in Bauchi by the Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.

According to him, the governor approved the decision after receiving formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies.

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Mr Gidado said the allegations included unlawful interference in land administration, unauthorised collection of levies, interference in the operations of mining companies and other alleged acts of misconduct.

He added that the alleged activities generated tension within the Lame Emirate and raised concerns about public peace and security.

“The Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier requested explanations from the Emir who submitted written responses.

“However, the government considered the explanations unsatisfactory and deemed it necessary to conduct an independent administrative investigation.

“The panel, chaired by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sani Mohammed, comprises representatives of security agencies, relevant ministries, Toro Local Government Area and other government institutions.”

He stated that the panel has three weeks to investigate the allegations, examine relevant documents, invite concerned parties and submit its findings and recommendations to the government.

The government spokesman further said that the suspension was a precautionary administrative measure aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the investigation and preventing possible interference with witnesses and official records.

He said that the emir was directed to remain within the Lame Emirate unless authorised otherwise and must refrain from interfering in its administrative, traditional and official affairs throughout the suspension period.

Mr Gidado also said that the government directed the Senior Councillor of the Emirate Council, Bala Gumau, to oversee its day-to-day administrative affairs in an interim capacity.

He said the government urged residents of the Lame Emirate and Toro Local Government Area, community leaders, traditional titleholders and youths to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while cooperating with the security agencies and the panel.

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