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

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12 months 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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INEC Announces Job Vacancies for Accountants, Engineers, Admin, IT, Clinical Officers

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2 days ago

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July 24, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced job vacancies for Nigerians seeking employment in various entry-level positions, including accountants, engineers, clinical officers, lawyers and other roles.

In a memo signed by the commission, INEC said the application period would run from Monday, July 20, to Monday, July 27, 2026.

“The recruitment exercise is aimed of strengthening the Commission’s institutional capacity in electoral administration, voter registration, data management, election logistics, and other critical electoral operations in furtherance of its constitutional mandate,” the memo reads.

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The commission listed accountant, clinical officer, lawyer, ICT officer, engineer, quantity surveyor, registration area officer (administrative officer) and registration area officer (executive officer) among the available vacancies.

It noted that applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth or descent and must present a valid Certificate of State of Origin duly signed by the chairman or secretary of their local government.

It added that certificates endorsed by liaison officers would not be accepted.

The commission also said applicants must be computer literate and not be above 35 years of age at the time of application.

According to INEC, applicants must possess good character, must not have been convicted of any criminal offence, and must be willing to serve in any part of the federation where they are assigned.

It added that applicants must demonstrate integrity, discipline and commitment to public service.

INEC said applicants should submit their applications online through the INEC Recruitment Portal by clicking on the “Vacancies” tab on the homepage, completing the appropriate application form, uploading all required credentials and submitting the application online.

The commission further added that only shortlisted candidates would be invited to the next stage of the recruitment exercise.

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Kano Executive Council Approves ₦55.48bn for Schools, Roads, Healthcare, Water Project’s

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2 days ago

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July 24, 2026

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The Kano State Executive Council has approved projects and programmes worth ₦55.48 billion, with education receiving the largest share of the spending as the government intensifies efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare, road networks, water supply and rural development across the state.

 

The approvals were made during the 40th Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Council Chamber, Government House, Kano.

 

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the Council approved a total expenditure of ₦55,475,406,487.82 for strategic projects designed to accelerate socio-economic development and improve the welfare of residents.

 

According to him, the approvals reflect the administration’s commitment to strengthening education, healthcare, road infrastructure, water supply, environmental sanitation, housing, rural development and public service delivery.

 

Education Takes the Largest Share

 

Education emerged as the biggest beneficiary, with the Council approving more than 30 projects involving the renovation and construction of schools, provision of classrooms, libraries, ICT centres, staff quarters, perimeter fencing, furniture and solar power installations across the state.

 

Among the major approvals were the rehabilitation of Sani Bello Science College, Dawakin Kudu at over ₦1.02 billion, rehabilitation of Science Secondary School, Dawakin Tofa worth ₦896.3 million, settlement of outstanding boarding school feeding bills amounting to ₦816.2 million, establishment of the Maryam Abba Yusuf Modern Learning Centre at Rijiyar Gwangwan, rehabilitation of 31 buses under the Girls Child Education Initiative, and procurement of educational materials for special education schools.

 

Major Investments in Healthcare

 

The Council also approved several healthcare projects aimed at expanding access to quality medical services.

 

These include the reconstruction and upgrading of primary healthcare centres in Kumbotso, Kiru, Dukawa, Gano, Warawa, Gwale and Nassarawa, procurement of medical equipment for Garun Malam General Hospital, Ghari General Hospital, and the Kano State Comprehensive Sickle Cell Treatment Centre at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.

 

Billions for Roads and Infrastructure

 

Road construction and infrastructure development also received significant attention.

 

Among the key approvals were:

 

Construction of the Ungogo–Minjibir Road valued at ₦10.47 billion.

Construction of the Kofar Waika–Turba–Gidan Siminti–Dorawar Dillalai Road traversing Gwale, Dala and Ungogo Local Government Areas at ₦3.67 billion.

Reconstruction of roads around Singer Market at ₦3.09 billion.

Reconstruction of Ali Yakasai and Tukur Roads in Nassarawa Local Government Area.

Installation of solar-powered street lights on major roads.

Completion of the New Kano State House of Assembly Office Complex and other public infrastructure.

Compensation for Road Projects

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Under the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, the Council approved over ₦6.5 billion as compensation to property owners affected by major road projects.

 

The beneficiaries include owners of 361 properties affected by the Kano Northern Bypass Road, 1,113 properties along the Gaya Dualised Road Project, and those impacted by the Kano–Dawakin Tofa–Gwarzo–Dayi Dualisation Project.

 

The Council also approved the purchase of a property at Kofar Nassarawa for conversion into an Islamiyya school for girls and women.

 

Water Supply, Environment and Flood Control

 

To improve water supply and environmental sanitation, the Council approved over ₦7 billion for the supply of diesel to water works, payment of electricity bills, annual desilting of drainage channels, cemetery intervention works, beautification of parks and construction of drainage systems across Gwale Local Government Area.

 

Housing and Rural Development

 

The Executive Council further approved the construction of perimeter fences and security gates at Kwankwasiyya City and Amana City, as well as the release of ₦1.169 billion as counterpart funding for the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

 

It also approved the implementation of a Five-Year Kano Integrated Rural and Sustainable Community Development Framework.

 

Information Ministry Gets Broadcasting Equipment

 

The Council approved the procurement of modern broadcasting equipment for the Kano State Broadcasting Corporation, renovation of the office of the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, and a two-day capacity-building workshop for public information officers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

 

Health Bills Head to Assembly

 

Beyond project approvals, the Executive Council approved the transmission of several health-related bills to the Kano State House of Assembly.

 

The proposed legislation includes the review of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board Law, the establishment of colleges of health sciences through the upgrading of health institutions in Kano and Bebeji, and the review of the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency Bill.

 

Council Bans ‘Daba’

 

The Council also declared the practice popularly known as “Daba” a deviant and unacceptable social act, directing security agencies and relevant government institutions to intensify enforcement against the practice.

 

It equally approved Kano State’s participation in the NG-CARES 2.0 Additional Financing Programme, aimed at expanding social protection initiatives, supporting vulnerable households and stimulating economic recovery.

 

Hajj, Halal Economy Receive Attention

 

Council members received a report on the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise, commending the welfare and safe transportation of Kano pilgrims.

 

They also received a presentation on the US$7.7 trillion Global Halal Economy, highlighting opportunities for Kano State to become a leading hub for Halal products and services.

 

Presentations were equally made on the Kano State Master Plan and achievements recorded in the revitalisation of regional water supply schemes.

 

Governor Receives Multiple Awards

 

During the meeting, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf received several awards and recognitions from professional bodies, civil society organisations, youth groups, health institutions and media organisations in recognition of his administration’s performance in education, infrastructure, healthcare and public service.

 

Among the organisations that honoured the Governor were the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), the Computer Society of Nigeria, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria, the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, the Kano State Online Media Chapel, and several other professional and community organisations.

 

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Waiya said the decisions taken by the Executive Council underscore Governor Yusuf’s determination to deliver sustainable development and improve the quality of life of the people of Kano State through strategic investments in critical sectors

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Kwankwaso Hails President Trump for Commending Tinubu’s Efforts in Securing Nigeria

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2 days ago

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July 24, 2026

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The persistent stance taken against every inch of insecurity in Nigeria by President Tinubu, which today earned him global commendations, including that of President Donald Trump of America, calls for the Nigerian opposition to stop baseless attacks on the government and join hands with the President to secure the nation.

This was the submission of Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, the Director of Finance, Hadejia Jama’are River Basin, in a release he personally signed and issued to newsmen.

Kwankwaso is of the view that despite the open commendations of great presidents of the world, including President Trump, President Tinubu has maintained a relentless position in ensuring that the nation’s citizens sleep with their eyes closed without fear.

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“You can see that President Tinubu has earned great commendation from President Trump on his fight against insecurity. This is clearly an open fact that Nigeria today is getting it right and calls for every person who truly loves the country to give his support to the government.”

He added that, “Another thing of interest, and something that shows the love and concern President Tinubu has for Nigerians, is that he has given the go-ahead for the expansion of the nation’s military formations from eight to twelve.”

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), said in a release that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions—a landmark move to enhance the country’s security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.

Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso highlighted that this approval underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to further strengthen national defence capabilities.

He assured Nigerians that, sooner rather than later, citizens would be traveling freely from one end of the country to another without fear of being attacked.

The Director of Finance, Hadejia Jama’are River Basin, also commended Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Ministers of Defence Badaru and Matawalle, as well as all the Service Chiefs, for their unwavering efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s security.

“Nigerians should pray for and appreciate these gentlemen for their total commitment to securing the country and freeing it from the shackles of insecurity.”

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