Kano Govt Budgets ₦2.5 Billion for Mass Wedding Amid Water Crisis and Economic Struggles
By Nura Muhammad
Public Outcry as Residents Question Government Priorities The Kano State government’s recent decision to allocate ₦2.5 billion for a mass wedding program has sparked widespread criticism, with many residents questioning why such a huge sum is being spent on weddings while basic necessities like clean water, infrastructure, and economic development remain neglected.
A Community in Need
Across several neighborhoods in Kano, access to clean and safe drinking water is a daily struggle. Many communities within the city rely on boreholes and expensive alternatives due to the government’s failure to provide a sustainable water supply system. Residents believe this should be a bigger priority than state-sponsored weddings.
Malam Hassan Muhammad, a trader in the state, expressed his disappointment, calling it a misplacement of priority at a time when the cost of living is skyrocketing and businesses are struggling.
“Right now, things are hard. Prices of food and basic commodities are at an all-time high. Instead of spending billions on weddings, the government should focus on building the economy and creating an enabling environment for investors by ensuring stable electricity and infrastructure,” he said.
Kano, one of Nigeria’s most populous states, is facing multiple economic and infrastructural challenges. Unemployment is rising, businesses are struggling due to unstable power supply, and healthcare services remain underfunded. Yet, the state government has chosen to invest in a mass wedding initiative that critics argue offers little long-term benefit. Similar trends can be observed across Nigeria, where some state governments allocate public funds to projects that generate political goodwill but fail to address pressing developmental needs.
What Kano Needs Instead?Policy analysts argue that instead of spending ₦2.5 billion on mass weddings, the Kano State government should consider:
✅ Expanding clean water infrastructure to serve all communities.
✅ Investing in independent power supply to boost industries and attract investors.
✅ Revamping healthcare and education systems to improve quality of life.
✅ Supporting local businesses and traders to drive economic growth.
The public outrage over this budget allocation highlights the growing demand for accountability and responsible governance. While mass weddings may provide temporary relief for some families, the long-term economic and social impact remains questionable.
With mounting concerns over poverty, infrastructure decay, and economic stagnation, many residents insist that the Kano State government should reassess its priorities and channel resources into projects that will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people.
At a time when basic necessities remain out of reach for many citizens, spending billions on a mass wedding raises critical questions about leadership priorities and fiscal responsibility. Will the government listen to the voices of the people and refocus on sustainable development, or will political grandstanding continue to take precedence over real progress?
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