Governor Masari

The Katsina State Government has so far spent N10 billion on the payment of gratuities to retirees, Gov. Aminu Masari has said.

Masari made the disclosure in Katsina on Friday at the maiden media chat organised by the state council of Nigeria Union of Journalists.

He said that amount was part of the N11 billion bailout loan the state obtained from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to settle arrears owed by the state government.

The state has over 4,200 pensioners who retired under the state and local government civil service between 2013 and 2015.

Masari said that his administration resolved to secure the loan so as to assist the retirees as he promised during campaigns.

‘’It is pathetic to note that some of the retirees have died without enjoying the gratuities.

‘’As at now, the payment is in progress at Access Bank and if you have doubt, you can cross-check in the bank,’’ he said.

Masari also said that the government had secured two billion naira loan from CBN to empower small and medium enterprises in the state.

He said that over 60 per cent of the beneficiaries were women and youths at the grassroots.

The governor also said that the government had earmarked N800 million on the rehabilitation of primary schools.

Masari revealed that the decision was to enhance teaching and learning in primary schools in the state.

‘’It is unfortunate that we do not have a functional primary school in the state.

‘’Primary schools in Katsina State do not have enough facilities, pupils are sitting on the floor and the schools are overpopulated,’’ he said. (NAN)
ZI/SUD/JCE