By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman
The Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called on the Kano State House of Assembly to take decisive action in ensuring the full and effective implementation of the Kano State Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law 2023.
This landmark legislation, designed to provide free healthcare services to women and children, addresses a critical need in the state and has the potential to improve health outcomes significantly.
As the first law of its kind in Nigeria, the Kano State Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law sets a historic precedent that could inspire other states to prioritize the health and welfare of their citizens.
CHRICED emphasized that the successful implementation of this law would not only bolster the state’s health sector but could also elevate Kano’s reputation on a global scale by demonstrating the state’s commitment to the health of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
“We are optimistic that, under the dedicated leadership of His Excellency, Governor Engr. Abba Kabiru Yusuf, Kano State will make substantial strides toward the elimination of maternal and child mortality, an urgent and achievable goal,” said the organization.
CHRICED further stressed that ensuring the law’s successful execution is crucial for advancing the well-being of Kano’s people and will serve as a powerful model for other regions.
The call for action came on Thursday during a public hearing on the 2025 budget, where CHRICED urged the Assembly to prioritize the implementation of the law. To facilitate the law’s execution, CHRICED called for the immediate establishment of the Free Maternal and Child Health Consultative Council, as mandated by Section 14(1) of the law.
The Council will be responsible for overseeing the administration and ensuring that the necessary frameworks and resources are in place to provide quality healthcare services to those most in need.
“We cannot afford to let this important law remain unexecuted,” CHRICED warned, highlighting that inaction would undermine the efforts of the 9th Assembly members, who worked tirelessly to pass the legislation, and would also harm the citizens of Kano State. The organization reiterated that swift action is needed to ensure that the people of Kano receive the healthcare services they deserve.
In addition to supporting the Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law, CHRICED urged the Assembly to adopt a culture of transparency and openness in the execution of constituency projects.
The organization emphasized that citizen participation in selecting, planning, and implementing these projects is essential to ensuring that the projects truly address community needs.
CHRICED suggested that the Assembly consider adopting a legal framework for constituency projects similar to the one successfully implemented in Lagos State to enhance accountability, legitimacy, and transparency in the management of public resources.
Finally, CHRICED highlighted the critical importance of robust oversight and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that government policies and programs achieve their intended objectives.
The organization stressed that without effective oversight, even substantial budget allocations could fail to deliver meaningful results for the people of Kano.
CHRICED called for stronger oversight to drive positive changes in governance and project execution, urging the Assembly to consider these recommendations during the discussions on the 2025 budget.
CHRICED concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to advocating for the welfare and advancement of Kano State, urging the Assembly to prioritize health, transparency, and accountability measures that will ultimately lead to a brighter future for all citizens of the state.
