Kano State Demands Federal Government Compensation Over Cancelled Durbar Festival

The Kano State Government has officially requested financial compensation from the Federal Government of Nigeria for the repeated cancellation of the Durbar celebrations held annually in the state.

Alhaji Tajo Uthman, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, made this appeal on Sunday during the traditional Sallah homage paid by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Government House in Kano.

Uthman emphasized that the state has experienced substantial financial setbacks following the two-year suspension of the iconic cultural festival. The Durbar celebration, a historic and culturally rich event, is known to draw both local and international tourists, thereby significantly boosting the state’s economy during the festive period.

Highlighting the global relevance of the Durbar, Uthman noted that it is officially acknowledged by UNESCO as a heritage festival. According to him, Kano typically generates a considerable amount of revenue from the influx of domestic and foreign visitors during the Durbar season.

The commissioner further revealed that the economic losses caused by the cancellation have deeply impacted the state’s financial planning, even affecting allocations in its annual budget.

He insisted that the Federal Government must acknowledge its role in the decision and be held accountable by compensating the state for the resultant economic implications.

Uthman concluded by asserting that the time had come for Kano State to seek financial redress and emphasized the need for the immediate reinstatement of the Durbar festivities, which he described as a deeply unfortunate and avoidable cultural disruption.