Kano government acquires 324 housing units, clears N4.5bn pension liabilities

The Kano state government has taken over 324 housing units in Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo cities after settling pension liabilities worth N4.5 billion.

The project was financed with the state’s pension funds by the administration of Rabiu Kwankaso, a former governor of Kano.

However, Abdullahi Ganduje, Kwankaso’s predecessor, abandoned the project.

In a statement on Thursday, Ibrahim Adam, special adviser on information to Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, said

Abba Yusuf, the governor of Kano, authorised the payment through the Kano State Housing Corporation (KSHC), which included N400 million as 10 percent profit to the pension fund trustees, according to a statement.

In the statement issued by Ibrahim Adam, the special adviser to the governor on information, the move protects pensioners’ entitlement while unlocking the estates for public use.

He quoted Abdullahi Rabiu, managing director of the housing corporation, as saying that homes would provide “habitable housing units for Kano’s rapidly growing population”.

“This strategic move follows the governor’s decisive action to settle all outstanding pension liabilities tied to the estates, amounting to N4.5 billion (inclusive of 10% profit to the Pension Funds Trustees, totalling N400 million),” the statement reads.

“This landmark achievement reflects the governor’s visionary leadership and people-centered governance, combining social welfare with prudent financial management to safeguard the future of both residents and pensioners.

“The Kano State Government assures the public that the housing corporation will commence the transparent process of disposing the units to qualified buyers, thereby recouping funds for the state and strengthening confidence in government’s accountability and reforms.”

In July, Yusuf approved N3 billion for the renovation of 13 boarding schools allegedly shut down by Ganduje.