By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
The Kano State Government has emerged as a leading state in Nigeria in terms of health sector budgetary allocation, surpassing the Abuja Declaration benchmark for the first time in the state’s history. The allocations to health in 2024 and 2025 represent the highest ever recorded in Kano State’s history.
In a statement signed by public relations officer state ministry for health Nabulisi Abubakar Kofar Na’isa said this landmark achievement reflects the firm commitment of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, to revitalizing the healthcare system and improving the well-being of the people. The increased funding underscores the government’s resolve to prioritize health as a cornerstone of economic growth and human development.
Speaking on the development, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, expressed appreciation to Governor Yusuf for his visionary leadership in making health a top governance priority. He noted that the increased allocation has already resulted in notable progress in hospital renovation, procurement of equipment, and recruitment of additional health personnel across the state.
“This historic step reflects our determination to achieve Universal Health Coverage and ensure that every resident of Kano State has access to quality healthcare services,” the Commissioner said.
The Abuja Declaration, endorsed by African Heads of State in 2001, recommends that governments allocate at least 15% of their annual budget to the health sector. Kano State has now exceeded this benchmark, setting a remarkable example in health financing at the subnational level in Nigeria.
The increased investment has enabled the state to strengthen critical health programs including immunization, maternal and child health, and disease control initiatives. It also supports the ongoing implementation of the Kano State Health Strategic Development Plan, designed to ensure accountability, sustainability, and efficiency in service delivery.
The Kano State Ministry of Health reaffirms its commitment to consolidating these gains through collaboration with development partners, health professionals, and community stakeholders. The Ministry hopes that Kano’s exemplary investment will inspire other states to increase funding toward improving the health and wellbeing of their citizens.
