By Usman Usman Garba
The Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has allocated ₦205.94 billion to the education sector, representing 29% of the state’s total budget for 2025.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Alhaji Musa Shanono, during a press briefing on the breakdown of the 2025 budget. The budget was passed by the State House of Assembly on December 20, 2024, and signed into law by Governor Yusuf on December 31, 2024.
The commissioner emphasized the governor’s commitment to revitalizing the education sector by injecting more resources to enhance teaching and learning, which he said would yield positive results for the state.
Out of the ₦205 billion earmarked for education, ₦4.01 billion is dedicated to the free education program, while ₦5 billion will be used to procure 10 shuttle buses for girls’ education within eight metropolitan local governments and to repair 20 grounded vehicles used for girl-child education.
Shanono also revealed that the health sector received ₦109.26 billion, representing 15.18% of the total budget. This allocation will fund various projects aimed at improving healthcare services across the state, including ₦2.02 billion for the procurement of medical equipment for general hospitals and ₦2.1 billion for upgrading primary healthcare centers (PHCs) to general/cottage hospitals in 18 local government areas, including Tsanyawa, Albasu, Bagwai, Warawa, Garko, Tofa, Kiru, Rano, Takai, Kibiya, Shanono, Kunchi, Zakara, Bunkure, Gwarzo, Malam, Gwagwarwa, Dala, and Kumbotso.
To support food security and economic diversification, the state government has allocated ₦16 billion to the agriculture sector. According to Shanono, the administration is committed to transforming farming practices and strengthening the agro-value chain.
Key projects include the construction of the 3.1 billion-liter Dansoshiya Dam, the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRESS), the Special Agro-Processing Zone Project (SAPZ), the National Food Security Program, the Value-Chain Northern Nigeria Project, and the renovation and furnishing of five veterinary hospitals in Gwale, Bichi, Gaya, Gwarzo, and Kundila.
The commissioner also stated that ₦32 billion has been allocated for water supply and rural community development, while ₦98.35 billion is set aside for infrastructural development across the state.
Additionally, ₦5.2 billion has been approved for the Ministry of Women, Youth, and People with Special Needs to support vulnerable groups, and ₦3.53 billion is allocated to the Ministry of Investment, Industry, Commerce, and Cooperatives for various economic programs.
Shanono noted that ₦15.9 billion is earmarked for environmental programs and climate mitigation efforts, ₦13.32 billion is allocated for transportation projects, and ₦19.47 billion is set aside for security, law, and justice to enhance public safety and ensure the protection of lives and property.
In the area of governance and service delivery, ₦91.32 billion has been allocated. This includes ₦1 billion for the Ramadan Feeding Program and another ₦1 billion for the Lafiya Jari Program, which supports healthcare initiatives.
Shanono concluded by reaffirming the state government’s dedication to implementing these programs effectively to enhance the well-being of Kano residents.