Kano State Government has appealed to the Federal Government to compensate the state for the significant financial losses incurred due to the ban on the annual Sallah Durbar festivities.
The Independent Mirror reports that the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tajuddeen Usman, made the appeal on Sunday when the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, paid Sallah homage to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Government House.
The governor was represented at the event by his deputy, Comrade Abdussalam Aminu Gwarzo.
Commissioner Usman lamented that the ban on the traditional Durbar celebration has resulted in the state losing millions of naira in potential revenue generated during the Sallah festive period.
He noted that Kano has long benefited economically from the influx of local and international tourists who visit the state specifically to witness the vibrant Durbar event.
“Hotels, restaurants, local food vendors, transport operators, and small-scale cultural enterprises, particularly in Kurmi Market, usually enjoy a major economic boost from the festivities. white tourists, in particular, spend heavily during this period, and all of that is now lost.”
According to Usman, the financial shortfall has created a significant gap in the state’s budget.
“The durbar is not just a cultural event, it is a major economic activity that stimulates various sectors of our economy. With its suspension, we are experiencing a revenue deficit.”
He therefore called on the Federal Government to intervene and provide financial compensation to Kano State to help bridge the gap caused by the ban, which he described as not only cultural but economically damaging.
The Commissioner emphasized the need to preserve Kano’s cultural heritage and sustain the economic benefits it brings, while also urging federal support to mitigate the ongoing losses.
The Durbar, traditionally held during Eid celebrations, involves a colorful procession of horsemen, traditional musicians, and dancers, and has been one of the major attractions drawing both national and international attention to Kano.
Solacebase.
