The Kano State government has called on the Federal Government to compensate it for the cancellation of Durbar celebrations in the state for two consecutive years.
Alhaji Tajo Uthman, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, made the demand on Sunday during the Sallah homage visit of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Government House.
Uthman said the suspension of the annual cultural festival had caused the state significant financial losses, noting that the Durbar traditionally draws both local and international tourists.
He emphasised that the Durbar is recognised by UNESCO as a heritage event and brings in substantial revenue during the festivities from visitors across Nigeria and abroad.
The commissioner noted that the cancellations have had a noticeable impact on the state’s annual budget.
“The Federal Government must take responsibility for the economic impact of the cancellations and compensate the state accordingly,” he said.
Uthman also called for the immediate resumption of Durbar celebrations, describing the repeated cancellations as regrettable and insisting it was time the state sought reparation for its losses.
