SOKOTO HEALTH MINISTRY, AGENCIES PRESENT 2027 BUDGET PROPOSALS TO BUDGET AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY

The Sokoto State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with relevant health agencies, has presented its 2027 budget proposals during a budget discussion and deliberation held at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Development, Sokoto State.

The presentation was led by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, and his entourage, who were received by the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, Dr. Bashiru Mohammed Achida, alongside senior officials of the Ministry.

In his opening remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, commended the Ministry of Budget and Economic Development for the level of preparation and organization of the 2027 budget process.

Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar emphasized the importance of preparing a comprehensive and realistic budget that would adequately address the health needs and priorities of the people of Sokoto State. He stated that all health agencies under the Ministry had been directed to prepare their respective budget proposals comprehensively and in accordance with the prescribed guidelines and procedures.

The Commissioner also shed light on revenue generation and relevant state policies, stressing the need for effective planning and proper allocation of resources to achieve the desired objectives of the health sector.
In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development, Dr. Bashiru Mohammed Achida, explained that the purpose of the budget discussion was to ensure that the proposed budgets were prepared and presented in line with government specifications, guidelines and priorities.

Dr. Achida recommended necessary adjustments to the presented budget proposals based on the priorities of the Ministry of Health and its agencies. He also suggested the creation of a specific budget line and code for publicity and public sensitization, emphasizing the importance of effective publicity, communication and social mobilization in supporting the implementation of government health programmes.

The Honourable Commissioner for Health expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Development for its observations, guidance and recommendations, assuring that the Ministry would make the necessary adjustments to its budget proposals based on the recommendations.

Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar further announced plans to establish a Revenue Harmonization Committee, which would work closely with relevant revenue-generating agencies and consultants to improve coordination, harmonization and revenue generation within the health sector.

Key areas highlighted during the budget presentation and deliberation included revenue generation, overhead expenditure and capital projects, with emphasis on aligning proposed expenditures with the priorities and policies of the Sokoto State Government.

The health agencies that presented their respective 2027 budget proposals included the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA), Sokoto State Malaria Elimination Agency(SOSMEA), Sokoto State Contributory Health Management Agency(SOCHEMA), Sokoto State Action Committee for the Control of AIDS (SOSACA), Health Services Management Board, and Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency.

In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Development, Alhaji Buhari Umar, commended the foresight and leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, as well as the heads of the various health agencies, for their preparedness, planning and projections for the 2027 fiscal year.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Ibrahim Haliru Dingyadi mni, called for improved coordination among the Ministry, revenue-generating agencies and other relevant stakeholders. He invited representatives of the revenue agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and ensure proper coordination in revenue generation and implementation of the health sector budget.

The budget presentation and deliberation was attended by heads of health agencies in the state, including Honourable Special Advisers, Directors-General, Executive Secretaries, the Executive Director of the Health Services Management Board, Directors of the Ministry of Health and its relevant agencies, Provost Colege of Nursing Science Tmbuwal,as well as Directors and senior officials of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Development and other relevant stakeholders.

The deliberation provided an opportunity for the Ministry of Health and its agencies to review their proposed 2027 budgetary allocations, receive observations and recommendations, and ensure that the proposals are aligned with the priorities and policies of the Sokoto State Government.

Bashiru Garba
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Health
Sokoto State