Stakeholders under the Kano State Community of Practice (CoP), in collaboration with Save the Children International, have raised concerns over declining health budget performance in Kano State, calling for urgent legislative action to address gaps in immunisation and primary healthcare funding.
The concerns were presented during an advocacy visit to the Kano State House of Assembly, aimed at strengthening collaboration between civil society advocates and lawmakers to improve healthcare service delivery.
The visit focused on findings from the 2025 Health and Immunisation Budget Tracking Exercise conducted under the Boost Project, which assessed allocations, releases, and transparency indicators within the state’s health sector.
According to the report, Kano State recorded a sharp decline in health sector budget execution, dropping from 86 per cent in 2024 to 10.1 per cent in 2025. Similarly, the budget release rate for the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board fell drastically from 135 per cent to 4.9 per cent within the same period.
The analysis also showed that the health sector’s share of the state budget decreased from 14.2 per cent to 11.7 per cent, while execution of immunisation funds dropped to 68.3 per cent despite increased allocations.
Advocates further highlighted concerns over irregular publication of partner contributions, weak financial transparency, and poor alignment between approved budgets, actual releases, and the capacity of ministries, departments, and agencies to utilise funds effectively.
The group stressed that the data, validated on March 3, 2026, provides critical evidence to support increased domestic financing for routine immunisation and primary healthcare systems.
In response, the CoP urged lawmakers to intensify their oversight functions to address delays in fund releases, improve accountability, and tackle the challenge of zero-dose local government areas in the state.
Key recommendations presented included ensuring timely and full cash releases to the health sector, increasing budgetary allocation to meet national and global benchmarks, strengthening transparency through quarterly publication of financial data, and improving coordination among government agencies.
The advocates also called for legislative support in the development of a comprehensive routine immunisation policy for the state.
Responding, the deputy Clerk of the Assembly Alhaji Nasiru Jagaji commended the group for its efforts, noting that initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of citizens are always welcomed.
He assured the delegation of the Assembly’s commitment to addressing the issues raised and pledged to explore mechanisms to strengthen oversight functions, particularly in ensuring timely disbursement of funds.
On policy development, the deputy Clerk advised the group to formally channel their proposals through established legislative processes.
He further reaffirmed the Assembly’s readiness to support initiatives that promote healthcare development and improve the welfare of residents across Kano State.
The visit concluded with the presentation of branded Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to the Assembly, symbolising continued collaboration between stakeholders.