Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Wednesday commissioned the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners’ Legacy House, the national headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in Abuja, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of retired public servants and donated ₦100 million to support the union.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Yusuf described the new headquarters as more than just a building, saying it symbolises the nation’s appreciation for the sacrifices and years of dedicated service rendered by pensioners.
He stressed that pensions are not acts of charity but legitimate entitlements earned through years of faithful service, adding that the true measure of any responsible government lies in how it treats its retirees.
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The governor reiterated his administration’s determination to clear the remaining pension and gratuity liabilities inherited from previous administrations before the end of his tenure while sustaining the prompt payment of monthly pensions.
He noted that his government had already increased the minimum monthly pension in Kano State from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living on retirees.
Governor Yusuf also highlighted his administration’s support for the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, including hosting the union’s National Delegates Conference, describing the recognition accorded to Kano as an encouragement to continue implementing people-oriented policies.
Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Godwin Abumisi, commended Governor Yusuf for what he described as his unwavering commitment to pension reforms and retirees’ welfare.
Abumisi recalled that the governor was honoured as the Most Pensioners-Friendly Governor of the Year 2024, citing his administration’s efforts to improve the living conditions of retired workers.
He disclosed that the Kano State Government had settled ₦32 billion out of the ₦48.6 billion gratuity liabilities inherited by the present administration, describing the achievement as a major relief for thousands of pensioners and their families.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, praised Governor Yusuf for his support for organised labour in Kano State and across the country.
At the event, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners unanimously endorsed Governor Yusuf for a second term, citing what it described as his performance in pension administration and other key sectors of governance.
The commissioning ceremony attracted labour leaders, pensioners, government officials and other dignitaries from across the country.