A Coalition of Maternal and Newborn Child in Niger State (CoMiN) has expressed dismay over the state government’s slow pace in signing the 2017 budget into law.

Niger State House of Assembly had this April, adopted the 2017 appropriation bill of N116.1 billion, representing an increase of N8 billion over the N108 billion earlier submitted by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello. The amount represents 12% of the total budget of the state.

While applauding the state government for allocating 12% of the total budget to the health sector, Mary Jalingo, Chairperson, CoMiN, Niger State chapter, in a statement on Sunday in Kaduna, called for more allocation to meet the Abuja declaration of 15% to health sector.

She however, enjoined government personnel to operate an open door policy, adopt transparency and accountability in the discharge of responsibilities to allow them have information on budget expenses.

Ms. Jalingo charged the legislative and the executive arm of government to work together to make health accessible and affordable to the people of the state.

“We wish to reinstate the coalition’s commitment to support all health related issues especially Maternal and Newborn Child cases. We will continue to partner to move the state to a greater height,” she said.

She urged relevant organisations to work together in supporting health care system in the state and the country.

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