The Kano House of Assembly, on Thursday, conducted a public hearing on Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf’s 2024 appropriation bill submitted in October.

On October 27, the governor presented a N375 billion 2024 appropriation bill before the lawmakers.

The speaker of the House, Ismail Falgore, chaired the public hearing, which had stakeholders in attendance, including civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Mr Falgore, represented by the majority leader, Lawal Hussaini, urged his fellow legislators to critically look at the appropriation bill, especially the areas that needed amendments, before passage.

The chairman of the House Standing Committee on Appropriation, Aminu Ungogo, called for the support of CSOs, NGOs and other stakeholders to succeed in the assignment.

In his presentation, the Kano coordinator of the African Health Budget Network, Musa Bello, called for judicious utilisation of immunisation funds.

He urged quick action as concern over zero-dose immunisation grew in the state. Mr Bello also called for the vaccine increase from 558 million to 900 million.

The executive secretary of War Against Injustice, Umar Ibrahim, called for increased funding of the Ministry of Justice and the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.

“Additional funding will enable the Ministry of Justice and the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission to hire more staff, improve their facilities, and provide better training for their employees,” he said.

Ahmad Muhammad, the executive director of the Youth Peace and Security Network, called for meaningful investment in youth development by allocating a significant percentage of the state resources to programmes and activities related to youth empowerment.

He expressed concern over the spate of insecurity, drug abuse and other vices among youths, noting that empowering them with adequate skills was imperative for the growth and development of the country.

(NAN)