The government of the United Kingdom (UK) and the Kano State government in Northwest Nigeria has signed a Mutual Accountability Framework (MAF) and to hold strategic dialogue focused on Health, Education, Social Protection, Good Governance, and Sustainable Economic Transformation.
This is the first multi-sectoral strategic dialogue with Kano State was held August 11-12, 2021 between the UK Development Director in Nigeria, Dr Christopher Pycroft, representatives from the British High Commission and the Kano State Government to discuss the Kano Mutual Accountability Framework (MAF).
The Kano MAF was signed on Thursday by representatives of the UK and Kano State governments at a primary school in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area (LGA).
Kano is one of the three focus partner States of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Nigeria’s mutual accountability approach. The others are Kaduna and Jigawa States.
The UK signed a Mutual Accountability Framework with Jigawa State on 16 June and Kaduna State on 30th June 2021.
On 2 September 2020, the FCDO was created through the merging of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DFID).
According to a statement by Elva Lynch-Bathgate, Policy and Communications Manager of the British High Commission, Abuja, the MAF “is a policy document that provides the blueprint for the socio-economic development of Kano State, aligned with the overarching Kano State Development Plan (2020-2025).
“The framework formed the basis for the dialogue with both parties setting out their commitments and ways to hold each other mutually accountable to deliver on these. During the dialogue, technical sessions were held to identify constraints and opportunities and how best the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) can support the Kano State Government to address them and progress delivery of the mutual accountability framework.
“Through this strengthened partnership, mutual commitments, dialogue, transparency, and accountability, greater impact will be achieved in supporting the Kano State Government’s own efforts.
“These partnerships will drive forward development and support long-term institutional reforms to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for citizens in the state. The strategic dialogues and accountability frameworks also deepen the existing strong relationships with partner states. Both the FCDO and partner governments are accountable to the citizens to demonstrate how UK aid is supporting governments’ development agendas and policies.”
At the strategic dialogue, the Development Director, Dr Christopher Pycroft said:“This Strategic Dialogue to discuss our mutual accountability commitments affords us all the opportunity to do more. Kano State faces many challenges on the road to sustainable development – but this Mutual Accountability Framework is a call to action. We can use this strategic dialogue to discuss what both sides can do differently to deliver more results for the people of the state and empower them to fulfil their potential.
“Through the Kano Literacy and Maths Accelerator (KaLMA) project the school is supported to deliver with the Teaching at the Right Level approach (TaRL), which assesses children on foundational skills and groups them by learning level. Since 2019, through KaLMA over 36,000 primary school children have been supported to build foundational Hausa and English literacy and numeracy skills. During school closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the KaLMA project pivoted to support the Kano State Government’s efforts to help children continue learning from home. With UK aid, support on home-based and remote learning, including radio broadcasts, has reached children across Kano with programmes in Hausa, English, and Maths.”
Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, stated that “there is no doubt the relationship between FCDO and the State is helping us to strengthen our institutions. For any sustainable development there must be strong institutions. We are partners in progress.”