Kano Shuts Entertainment Centres for Ramadan

The Kano State Government has ordered the closure of all entertainment centres across the state ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The directive, announced on Tuesday by the Kano State Censorship Board, affects venues popularly known as gala houses as well as disc jockeys and other entertainment operators regulated by the board.

According to the board’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Sulaiman, the order will take effect from 10pm on Wednesday, 18 February, and will remain in force until the end of the fasting period.

He said the move was aimed at creating a calm and morally suitable environment for Muslims observing Ramadan.

“The action is intended to create a peaceful atmosphere for residents to observe the Ramadan fast in accordance with religious injunctions,” he said.

Mr Sulaiman added that all entertainment activities under the board’s supervision would remain suspended until further notice, with reopening dates — particularly for the Eid celebrations — to be announced later.

Enforcement Warning

The censorship board said enforcement teams would be deployed to ensure compliance, warning that operators who defy the directive would face sanctions.

Officials said the decision was in line with the agency’s mandate to regulate entertainment and maintain social order during religious periods.

Event Centres Exempt

Following concerns from residents and business owners, the board clarified that event centres used for weddings, conferences or political gatherings are not affected.

A director at the board, Usman Dankwano, said only venues strictly classified as entertainment outlets — such as gala houses and similar recreational centres — fall under the ban.

“Event centres are not under our jurisdiction. Only places meant purely for entertainment are affected,” he said.

The closure is part of a wider pattern in northern Nigeria, where state authorities often impose restrictions on nightlife and entertainment during the Ramadan fasting period.

Prosper Okoye

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Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa

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