KANO, Nigeria — The Kano State Government has allocated ₦2.5 billion for conducting quarterly mass weddings across the state’s 44 local government areas in 2025.
The allocation was revealed by the Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Musa Shanono, during a budget breakdown briefing following the passage of the 2025 state budget by the Kano State House of Assembly on Friday, January 31.
According to Shanono, the funding for mass weddings is part of the government’s broader ₦91.32 billion expenditure in the governance and service delivery sector, aimed at improving living standards and promoting social stability.
Breakdown of Key Budgetary Allocations
Aside from the mass wedding programme, Kano State has also earmarked funds for other social, economic, and administrative initiatives, including:
- ₦1 billion for Ramadan feeding.
- ₦955 million for manpower statistics surveys, general household surveys, and out-of-school children statistics.
- ₦1.049 billion for the purchase of a printing machine, rehabilitation of the general water system, and procurement of library equipment at the Government Printing Press.
- ₦267.6 million for provision of infrastructure, production and printing of an Islamic calendar, and support for Islamic Da’wah programmes, including welfare packages for new converts to Islam.
- ₦589 million for security research, empowerment development, and street begging intervention programmes.
- ₦200 million for procurement of office furniture, general maintenance of the Accountant-General’s office, and development of Public Financial Management (PFM) software and reform activities.
Kano’s 2025 Budget Sees Significant Increase
The total budget for Kano State in 2025 is ₦719.75 billion, marking an increase of ₦170.6 billion (31%) over the initial ₦549.16 billion proposal submitted by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The budget comprises:
- ₦262.67 billion for recurrent expenditure.
- ₦457.08 billion for capital expenditure.
Compared to 2024, the 2025 budget reflects a significant 65% increase, amounting to ₦282.4 billion.
Government’s Justification for the Spending Plan
Shanono stated that the budget was designed to entrench responsibility, transparency, and human rights protection, while also fostering economic growth and improving social welfare.
The mass wedding programme, which has been a recurring initiative in Kano State, is aimed at supporting underprivileged couples who may struggle with the financial burden of marriage.
The initiative has sparked debate over government priorities, with some praising its social benefits, while others question whether funds could be better allocated to education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
With the budget now approved, implementation and oversight will be key in ensuring that these allocations translate into tangible benefits for Kano’s residents.
