Kebbi Governor Approves ₦2.185 Billion Payout to Former Councillors After 20-Year Delay
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria – In a significant move to address longstanding grievances, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has approved the release of ₦2.185 billion to settle unpaid entitlements for former councillors who served between 2004 and 2024. The decision marks a major step toward resolving a two-decade financial dispute that previous administrations failed to address.
Governor Directs Immediate Partial Payment, Full Settlement by July
The announcement came during a meeting with the Kebbi State Councillors’ Forum leadership at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday. Governor Idris, through his Chief Press Secretary Ahmed Idris, confirmed the approval and outlined a phased payment plan.
“The governor has directed that an initial payment be made by Friday, with the remaining balance cleared before the end of July,” the statement read. This structured approach ensures immediate relief while guaranteeing full settlement within weeks.
Forum Chairman Hails Decision as Historic
Bello Gulumbe, Chairman of the Kebbi State Councillors’ Forum, expressed profound gratitude for the governor’s intervention. “This decision breaks a 20-year cycle of neglect,” Gulumbe stated. “Previous administrations made promises but never delivered on these rightful entitlements.”
The forum leader emphasized that the governor’s action has galvanized support among former councillors across the state. “We are now fully united in backing Governor Idris’s administration to deliver on its broader development agenda,” he added.
Implications for Local Governance and Public Trust
Political analysts suggest this move could strengthen grassroots support for the administration while setting a precedent for accountability in local governance. The delayed payments had become a symbol of systemic issues in Nigeria’s local government financial management.
With local elections approaching, the governor’s decisive action may also influence political alignments in Kebbi State. The councillors’ forum represents a significant bloc of grassroots political actors whose support could prove valuable in future electoral contests.
Next Steps in Payment Implementation
Government sources indicate the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will oversee the disbursement process. Verification mechanisms are being established to ensure payments reach all legitimate beneficiaries while preventing fraud.
The phased payment approach allows for proper auditing while demonstrating the administration’s commitment to resolving the issue without further delay. Government officials confirm that payment schedules and verification requirements will be communicated directly to beneficiaries through the councillors’ forum.
This development comes as Governor Idris implements broader reforms in Kebbi’s local government system, including recent initiatives to improve primary healthcare and education infrastructure across the state’s 21 local government areas.
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