The Kano State Government has expressed concern over the continuous cancellation of the traditional Sallah Durbar festival, revealing that the state has suffered millions in revenue losses, particularly in tourism and local businesses that depend on the annual celebration.
This disclosure was made by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abduljabbar Garko, during the modified Hawan Nassarawa homage paid by the Emir of Kano to the government house on Sunday.
According to Garko, the government is now considering seeking financial assistance from the Federal Government to compensate for the revenue shortfall caused by the festival's cancellation, noting that income generated from the Durbar is factored into the state's annual budget.
Tourism Impact and Economic Losses
The Commissioner highlighted that the Durbar event typically attracts tourists from within Nigeria and abroad, serving as a significant source of revenue for the state.
"When these tourists come, they stay in hotels, enjoy local food, watch the Durbar, and when their shoes get dirty, they pay people to clean them. Some even buy local snacks like gurasa," Garko explained.
He emphasized that these seemingly minor transactions play a crucial role in boosting the local economy and state revenue, all of which have now disappeared due to the Durbar's cancellation.
"These are real losses for the Kano State government and its people," he stated. "We included these revenues in our annual budget. Now that we've lost them, we'll need the Federal Government to step in and cover the gap."
Additional Local Business Challenges
The Commissioner also expressed sympathy for local businesses, particularly phone accessory sellers at the popular Farm Center market, who suffered millions of Naira in losses following a fire incident on Saturday, further compounding the economic challenges facing the state.
The traditional Durbar festival, a colorful horse parade that showcases the cultural heritage of northern Nigeria, has been a major tourist attraction in Kano for generations, drawing visitors who contribute significantly to the local economy during the Sallah celebrations.
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