Durbar Festival Halted: Kano State Counts Multi-Million Naira Revenue Losses

The Kano State Government has voiced deep concern over the continued suspension of the annual Sallah Durbar celebrations, noting that the cancellations have led to substantial economic setbacks, particularly affecting tourism and small businesses that rely on the cultural event.

This concern was expressed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abduljabbar Garko, during the modified Hawan Nassarawa visit paid by the Emir of Kano to the state government house on Sunday.

Garko disclosed that the state is considering appealing to the Federal Government for financial support to mitigate the economic impact triggered by the cancellation. He emphasized that the Durbar festival has historically contributed to the state’s revenue and is typically factored into Kano’s fiscal planning.

He highlighted that the Durbar usually attracts visitors both from across Nigeria and internationally. These tourists lodge in hotels, enjoy indigenous cuisine, participate in cultural experiences, and even pay for services like shoe cleaning. Many also purchase local snacks such as gurasa.

According to Garko, these microeconomic exchanges—though seemingly insignificant—have a substantial ripple effect on local business activities and overall state revenue. However, all of these income streams have vanished due to the ongoing cancellations of the festival.

“These losses are significant for both the state government and the residents of Kano,” he stated.

He reiterated that these expected earnings had already been included in the state’s budget. With the deficit now confirmed, Kano will require intervention from the Federal Government to cushion the financial blow.

Garko also extended his condolences to small-scale traders, particularly phone accessory vendors at the popular Farm Center market, who suffered massive financial losses due to a fire outbreak on Saturday.