Kano Spent ₦1.5bn on a Mass Wedding. How Do Its Budgets for Women Compare?

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration reportedly spent ₦1.5 billion on a mass wedding for 1,500 couples, including ₦200,000 in dowry support for each couple. The two-day event has raised questions about how the state prioritises spending on women and girls. The 2026 Women Empowerment Programme is allocated ₦305 million, while economic support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence receives ₦200 million. The Out-of-School Adolescent Girls Skills Acquisition Programme and sensitisation for women entrepreneurs are allocated ₦50 million each. Inclusive education for girls with disabilities receives ₦12.5 million. These annual allocations are far below the mass-wedding budget, prompting concerns about whether education, economic independence and protection for women are receiving enough attention. Marriage is not a bad thing, but the contrast in spending deserves scrutiny. Should a two-day mass wedding receive more funding than programmes meant to empower, educate and support women throughout the year?

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