Hussaini Ibrahim 
Kano Governor, Abba Yusuf
KANO, Nigeria – The Kano State Government has surpassed the Abuja Declaration benchmark by allocating more than 15 per cent of its annual budget to the health sector for two consecutive years — a first in the state’s history.
According to official data released by the Ministry of Health, the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has made unprecedented investments in healthcare financing, strengthening infrastructure, staffing, and access to quality medical services across Kano.
Speaking through the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Nabilusi Abubakar K/Na’isa, on Monday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, described the achievement as a decisive step toward universal health coverage.
“This historic commitment underscores our determination to make quality healthcare accessible to all Kano residents,” Dr Yusuf said. “By exceeding the Abuja Declaration, we demonstrate that political will can translate into sustainable health outcomes.”
Signed in 2001 by African Heads of State, the Abuja Declaration urges governments to allocate at least 15 per cent of their budgets to health. With Kano exceeding this target in 2024 and 2025, it now ranks among Africa’s leading subnational health investors.
The commissioner said the increased funding drives the Kano State Health Strategic Development Plan, enhancing accountability and efficiency in service delivery.
He added that the ministry is working with development partners and civil society to sustain reforms and ensure measurable impact for citizens.
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Chukwu Obinna 
Otamere Gladness 
Oluwafunbi Bello 