Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has approved the transmission of a new bill to the State House of Assembly that seeks to criminalise same-sex marriage and other practices the government deems “immoral”.
The decision was announced in a statement on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, following the 31st Executive Council meeting held at the Government House Annexe in Kwankwasiyya City.
Kano, one of Nigeria’s most populous northern states, operates under both the Nigerian Constitution and Islamic law, with Sharia shaping much of its governance since the early 2000s. Successive administrations have maintained a strict stance on issues of morality, culture, and religion.
Governor Yusuf reiterated that his administration would not compromise on Islamic values and cultural traditions, declaring, “Under no circumstance will we allow acts that contradict our religion and traditions to take root in Kano. This government is duty-bound to protect the moral integrity of our society”.
According to the statement, the proposed law specifically targets same-sex marriage and practices locally referred to as ‘Madugo’ and ‘Liwadi’, which authorities describe as prohibited under Islamic teachings. Offenders convicted under the law would face severe legal penalties.
The governor expressed confidence that lawmakers would prioritise the bill, citing its importance to the state’s “moral and social well-being”.
Nigeria already enforces the federal Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014, which bans same-sex unions nationwide and prescribes up to 14 years in prison for offenders. However, northern states like Kano have historically sought stricter enforcement through Sharia-based regulations.
If passed, the bill would further entrench Kano’s reputation for maintaining one of the country’s most conservative legal and cultural environments.
About the Author
