The Kano State Government has directed the immediate closure of all entertainment centres across the state for the duration of the Ramadan fasting period, a move aimed at creating what authorities describe as a morally conducive environment for Muslim observance.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Abdullahi Sulaiman, Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Censorship Board, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing entertainment activities in the state.
According to the directive, entertainment venues popularly known as gala houses, as well as disc jockey operators under the board’s regulatory jurisdiction, are affected by the order.
“Effective from Wednesday, 18 February 2026, all such venues will remain closed until the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The directive will take effect from 10:00 p.m. on that day,” the statement read.
Sulaiman explained that the measure is designed to create a calm and spiritually focused atmosphere for Muslim faithful to observe the fasting period without distractions from secular entertainment activities.
“The action is intended to create a peaceful environment for residents to observe the Ramadan fast in accordance with religious injunctions,” he said.
He added that entertainment activities under the board’s supervision would remain suspended throughout Ramadan, with reopening dates, particularly for Eid celebrations marking the end of the holy month, to be announced at a later time.
“The closure will remain in force throughout the fasting period, while the date for reopening, particularly during the Eid celebrations, will be announced at the appropriate time,” Sulaiman stated.
The Kano State Censorship Board urged owners of affected centres and disc jockeys to comply fully with the directive, warning that enforcement teams would be deployed to monitor adherence and that violations would attract sanctions.
The agency noted that the decision falls squarely within its regulatory mandate to oversee entertainment activities and promote moral and social order during religious seasons, a responsibility it has exercised in previous years.
Kano State, located in Nigeria’s northwest region, is predominantly Muslim and has historically maintained strict adherence to Islamic values in public life. The state government has over the years instituted various policies aimed at aligning public conduct with religious principles, particularly during sacred periods such as Ramadan.
The Kano State Censorship Board, established under state law, is empowered to regulate entertainment content and venues, including cinemas, gala houses, and performances by musicians and disc jockeys. The board’s activities are part of broader efforts by the state government to enforce moral standards consistent with the cultural and religious identity of the region.
Similar closure directives have been issued in past Ramadan seasons, reflecting a longstanding practice in the state. However, each announcement typically generates public discussion around the balance between religious observance and economic freedoms, particularly for business owners dependent on entertainment-related income.
Amid concerns and mixed reactions from residents, the board moved to clarify the scope of the directive, emphasising that it does not apply to event centres used for weddings, conferences, or political gatherings.
Usman Dankwano, a director at the board, stressed that only venues strictly classified as entertainment outlets, such as gala houses under the board’s direct jurisdiction, are affected by the closure order.
“Event centres are not even under our jurisdiction. People misunderstood the directive,” he said, seeking to address confusion that had arisen following the initial announcement.
The clarification appeared aimed at allaying fears among operators of event centres who host social and corporate functions, which are not classified as entertainment venues under the board’s regulatory framework.
Gala houses, the primary targets of the directive, are informal entertainment spaces where music, dancing, and social gatherings take place, often late into the night. They are distinct from formal event centres that host weddings, seminars, and political events, which are regulated by different authorities and are not subject to the current ban.
The distinction is significant in a state where the events industry contributes to livelihoods and economic activity, and where misunderstandings about the scope of regulatory actions can lead to public anxiety and disruption.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The fast involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and holds profound spiritual significance.
In northern Nigeria, where Islam is the dominant religion, Ramadan is marked by increased religious activities, charity, and communal prayers. Governments in predominantly Muslim states often introduce measures intended to support the spiritual focus of the period, including restrictions on activities considered distracting or morally inappropriate.
The Kano State Government’s directive is consistent with such practices, though it has also sparked debate in previous years around issues of personal freedom, economic rights, and the role of government in regulating private behaviour.
Critics of such measures have in the past argued that blanket closures infringe on the economic rights of business owners and employees who depend on the entertainment sector for their livelihood. They have also questioned whether moral regulation should be enforced through government policy or left to individual conscience.
Supporters, on the other hand, contend that the measures are necessary to preserve the sanctity of the holy month and to reflect the collective religious identity of the state. They argue that temporary restrictions are a reasonable accommodation for a period of heightened spiritual observance.
The Kano State Censorship Board has not publicly disclosed the penalties that would apply to violators of the directive, though it indicated that enforcement teams would be active throughout the period to ensure compliance.
Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin on Wednesday, February 18, following the sighting of the new moon, as announced by Islamic authorities in Nigeria. The month typically lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on lunar observations, and concludes with the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
The Kano State Government’s directive mirrors similar actions taken in other northern states where Islamic traditions heavily influence public policy. In recent years, states such as Zamfara, Katsina, and Bauchi have implemented various measures during Ramadan, including restrictions on public entertainment, adjustments to market hours, and school closures to accommodate religious observance.
These policies reflect the broader cultural and religious dynamics in northern Nigeria, where Islamic law and tradition play a significant role in shaping governance and social norms. However, they also highlight ongoing tensions between religious values and modern economic realities in a diverse and rapidly changing society.
