Daily Lens
Kano State Governor, His Excellency Yusuf Abba Kabir, has submitted a bill to the Kano State House of Assembly seeking to outlaw same-sex marriage, describing the practice as alien to the cultural and religious fabric of the state.
The move was announced on Friday, September 12, 2025, in a statement released by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature.
Governor Kabir said the proposed legislation is designed to “protect the values, traditions, and faith of Kano people,” insisting that same-sex marriage stands in direct conflict with the state’s moral and religious identity.
The statement read
> “Same-sex marriage contradicts both our traditional heritage and religious teachings. Kano State cannot and will not recognize a practice that undermines our way of life,”
The bill, now before the Kano State House of Assembly, is expected to spark intense debate among lawmakers. If passed, it would reinforce Nigeria’s national legislation against same-sex marriage, giving it a firmer legal backing at the state level.
Analysts believe the proposal is likely to gain overwhelming support in the Assembly, given the conservative leanings of the state. Religious leaders and cultural groups have long opposed same-sex unions, while rights activists are expected to raise concerns about its implications for human rights and Nigeria’s international reputation.
As Kano prepares for the legislative debates, the development has already begun stirring conversations across the state, with supporters hailing it as a step toward preserving cultural values, while critics warn it may deepen tensions around personal freedoms.
The House of Assembly is expected to take up deliberations on the bill in the coming weeks.
