By Mustapha Salisu
The Rundunar Yan Kishin Kano (RKK) and Kano Patriotic Front (KPF), has urged Kano government to prioritize projects and policies with direct impacts on citizens, emphasizing job creation, economic revitalization, and crime reduction.
The Forum dropped the recommendation during a public hearing held at the Kano State House of Assembly Complex in respect of the State 2024/2025 Budget proposal, submitted to the House by His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
PRIME TIME NEWS gathered that the session which highlighted active civic participation, emphasized the importance of a citizen-oriented budget aimed at improving the livelihoods of Kano residents.
Malam Ibrahim Sadauki Kabara, representing the RKK/KPF platform at the public hearing, commended the Assembly for allowing stakeholders to contribute to the budget process, describing the gesture as a reflection of democracy in action within the state.
During the presentation, RKK/KPF Kabara identified key sectors requiring prioritization in the budget, including education, agriculture, health, commerce, infrastructure, environment, sanitation, water supply, and rural development.
In reviewing the performance of the 2024 budget, Malam Kabara highlighted that Kano State achieved 63% of its Federal Allocation (FAAC) target, receiving ₦174.28 billion out of the ₦277.81 billion budgeted, recorded 25% in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) with ₦25.58 billion generated out of the ₦101.96 billion target, and attained 52% of its total recurrent revenue projection, collecting ₦198.86 billion out of ₦379.76 billion.
He also recommended reforms to improve IGR collection without relying on external consultants while suggesting that strengthening the Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) and addressing revenue leakages, particularly in segments such as PAYE, withholding tax, and VAT.
To further enhance the state’s financial capacity, Kabara called for the establishment of a stakeholders’ committee to review proposed tax reforms and generate ideas for effective implementation during public hearings.
Kabara also highlighted the importance of building trust between the government and the populace, stressing that citizen participation is a cornerstone of democratic governance.
Responding to RKK/KPF, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Alhaji Aminu Sa’adu Ungoggo, assured the stakeholders that the Assembly is committed to passing a citizen-centered budget.
He noted that all inputs will be carefully scrutinized to align with the aspirations of the people.
PRIME TIME NEWS reports that the public hearing, held at the Assembly Complex, featured submissions from various civil society organizations, community groups, and associations, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive governance.