Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced a major double victory for Kano workers – clearing a huge pension debt and massively boosting the state’s health workforce.
Speaking at the *66th Independence Day celebration* held at the *Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano* on Thursday, Yusuf said his administration has paid *N32 billion out of the N48 billion* inherited backlog of gratuities and related liabilities owed to retirees.
The figures were contained in a statement by DG Media and Publicity, *Sunusi Dawakin Tofa*.
“We have so far paid N32bn out of the N48bn backlog of inherited gratuities and related liabilities owed to retirees in the state,” Yusuf said.
The Governor said his government has sustained regular monthly pension payments while reviewing the *minimum monthly pension from N5,000 to N20,000* – a 300% increase.
He also noted Kano now pays salaries by the *25th of every month* and has implemented the *N71,000 minimum wage* for civil servants, plus sponsorship for training at *ASCON* and other institutions.
A day earlier, on Wednesday, Yusuf presented appointment letters to *2,037 newly recruited health personnel* at the Government House.
Breakdown:
– 250 Medical Doctors
– 250 Nurses
– 250 Midwives
– 40 Pharmacists
– 150 Community Health Officers
– 50 Junior CHEWs
– 50 Medical Laboratory Scientists
– Plus other professionals to make 2,037
Yusuf said the recruitment became necessary due to an acute shortage worsened by *Japa* – migration of doctors, nurses and other professionals.
The Governor issued a stern warning:
“No patient should be denied timely medical attention or subjected to unnecessary hardship because of inability to pay before receiving care. Discharge your duties with compassion, integrity, discipline and professionalism.”
He warned against maltreating patients or demanding money before emergency care in public facilities.
Kano residents have hailed the move as an Independence Day gift, especially retirees who had waited over 8 years for gratuity.