Protocols:

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Jibril Isma’il Falgore; the Deputy Speaker; the Majority Leader; Principal Officers; M epresentatives of Civil Society Organizations; and members of the media:

1. On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), I extend my warmest greetings. As a knowledge-based organization committed to promoting democracy, accountability, and effective governance since 2006, CHRICED is honored to present this memorandum to this honorable House on the 2025 budget for consideration.

• To start with, CHRICED expresses its deep appreciation for the exemplary leadership exhibited by the Rt. Hon. Speaker and other Principal Officers of the House. Your unwavering commitment to fostering accessibility, maintaining an open-door policy, and prioritizing legislation that addresses the pressing needs of the people of Kano State is commendable. As we embark on the budgetary appropriation process for the 2025 fiscal year, it is imperative that this honorable House takes into account the persistent challenges surrounding maternal and child healthcare, particularly in underserved regions. These challenges continue to contribute to preventable fatalities, which is a matter of grave concern.

• CHRICED calls upon this esteemed Assembly to take decisive action in ensuring the thorough and effective implementation of the Kano State Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law 2023. This groundbreaking legislation designed to provide complimentary maternal and child healthcare services to women and children tin the state, addresses a critical need in our communities. As the first law of its kind in Nigeria, it sets a significant precedent and serves as a model for other states that are committed to prioritizing the health and welfare of their citizens.

• The successful implementation of this landmark law has the potential to elevate Kano State’s reputation on a global scale, showcasing our commitment to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. We are optimistic that, under the dedicated leadership of His Excellency, Governor Engr. Abba Kabiru Yusuf, Kano State is poised to make substantial strides toward the elimination of maternal and child mortality, a goal that is both urgent and achievable.

• To facilitate the effective implementation of the Law, we strongly advocate for the immediate establishment of the Free Maternal and Child Health Consultative Council, as mandated in Section 14(1) of the Law. This Council will play a crucial role in the administration of the law, ensuring that the necessary frameworks and resources are in place to deliver quality healthcare services to those who need them most.

• It is imperative that we do not allow this important law to remain unexecuted, as doing so would not only undermine the diligent efforts of the 9th Assembly, whose members worked tirelessly to pass this legislation, but it would also be detrimental to the citizens of Kano State. The people of Kano stand to benefit immensely from the enactment of this law, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they receive the healthcare services they deserve. By taking swift action, we can fulfill our commitment to the health and well-being of our communities and set a powerful example for others to follow.

• The Rt. Hon. Speaker and distinguished members of this Assembly, CHRICED wishes to highlight the imperative of ensuring openness and transparency in the execution of constituency projects. For citizens to fully benefit from the advantages of democracy, it is essential that they actively participate in the selection, planning, and implementation of these projects. We strongly encourage this Assembly to cultivate a culture of consultation with constituents to identify priority needs and to consider the establishment of a legal framework that governs constituency project processes, similar to the successful model employed in Lagos State. Implementing such measures will significantly enhance transparency, legitimacy, and accountability in the management of public resources, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the community.

• Finally, CHRICED emphasizes the urgent necessity of establishing robust oversight and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that government policies and programs achieve their intended objectives. Without effective oversight and citizen participation, even substantial budget allocations may fail to produce meaningful results. As previously highlighted in public hearings, CHRICED remains committed to advocating for strong oversight that drives positive transformations in governance and project execution. We respectfully urge this Assembly to take our recommendations into account during the discussions on the 2025 budget, as these steps are crucial for ensuring the welfare and advancement of Kano State.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to your thoughtful consideration of our proposals. Together, we can work towards a more transparent, accountable, and participatory governance framework that truly serves the interests of the Kano State people.

Signed:

Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi,FICM, FIMS, FIIM

Executive Director