The Kano State government has placed healthcare at the center of its 2026 financial plan, earmarking N214.8 billion for the sector in what officials describe as a decisive push to increase access to quality and specialized medical services across the state.
Commissioner for Budget and Planning Abdullahi Shanono disclosed this during a press briefing on the 2026 budget framework outlining key interventions designed to strengthen public health infrastructure and improve service delivery.
Major projects include the completion of the Cancer Center in Guigineau, a long-awaited facility that is expected to reduce the burden on patients who currently travel out of state for oncology treatment. The government also plans to create new intensive care units (ICUs) in selected hospitals and upgrade several primary health centers to general hospitals to increase access to secondary care services.
Maternal and child health programs will be expanded under the new budget, as well as statewide medical outreach initiatives aimed at reaching underserved and rural communities. To enhance emergency response, the administration has also arranged for ambulances in all 44 local government areas of the state.
Apart from health, the 2026 Budget makes substantial provisions for education, agriculture and rural infrastructure, part of what the government has described as a comprehensive development agenda.
In the education sector, the government will set up Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centers in the three senatorial areas to improve examination processes and digital access for students. Funds have also been allocated for renovation of damaged educational facilities and maintenance of free education programs across the state.
The budget provides support for instructional materials in Arabic and Islamic schools, underscoring the administration's commitment to inclusive education that reflects the socio-cultural realities of the state.
Agriculture and Rural Development received N26.36 billion to support food security initiatives, fertilizer distribution, irrigation systems and livestock development programmes. The allocation comes amid rising concerns over food inflation and the need to boost local production.
To complement agricultural investment, the government has earmarked over N64 billion for water supply and rural infrastructure projects. These include expanding access to potable water, improving rural electrification, and building and rehabilitating road networks to ease the movement of goods and services within communities.
Shanono emphasized that Budget 2026 was deliberately designed to consolidate ongoing reforms and deliver measurable socio-economic impact. According to him, the administration is focusing on disciplined implementation to ensure that the allocation brings tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
He expressed confidence that with prudent management and continued oversight, the budget will improve living standards, strengthen vital sectors and expand economic opportunities for citizens in Kano Sta.
