The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Kano State government to prioritise children’s budgeting to reflect the state’s true priorities for a targeted investment in the future of children in the state
Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office, Mr. Rahama Farah, made the call during a media dialogue on child sensitive budgeting in the state, organized by the body in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
He explained that child-sensitive budgeting is a crucial investment that focuses on the well-being and development of children.
Farah said making a deliberate and strategic action through resource allocations is key even as the state prepares for the 2026 budgeting process.
He stressed the need for the state government to publish accessible annual child budget briefs showing allocations, spending, and child outcomes, while directing sufficient resources to programs to improve child survival and development, as well as monitoring and tracking systems to ensure effectiveness.
Farah further noted that improved budgeted allocations should be targeted in areas related to antenatal care, immunization, nutrition, quality basic education, child protection, WASH, social protection, and early childhood development, among others.
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While highlighting the importance of improved coordination among MDAs for improved planning and efficiencies, Farah also urged the civil society organisations to support them with technical expertise in child budgeting, monitoring, service delivery, advocacy, and opportunities for children.
Deputy Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Mohammed ButuButu, reiterated the assembly’s commitment to enacting and modifying laws that will improve the lives of children and the general citizens.
He said the assembly is ready to make any amendments to the child protection law and would welcome any development regarding that.
He added that the state government has made sufficient allocation in the education sector, aimed at reducing the high rate of school dropouts in the state
ButuButu also called on the heads of MDAs to ensure they do a follow-up for the release of their allocated budgets to ensure the successful implementation of policies and programs of the state government.
