Kano shisha lounge shut down
The Kano State Government has officially shut down several shisha lounges and recreational centres in the state, citing concerns over public health and drug misuse. Among the actions taken, the state’s Kano State Tourism Management Board revealed that the ban on shisha use—which was established by law amendment in November 2021—comes after investigations found that shisha smoking often led to alleged substance abuse and disorderly behaviour.
In a statement, the board’s Managing Director, Yusuf Ibrahim Lajawa, explained that their medical team observed that individuals using shisha in the state were “going out of their senses,” prompting the reinforcement of the ban. The law prohibits smoking in public places and during gatherings, and the board has threatened sealing and closure of outlets that continue operations without compliance.
Reports nonetheless say that despite the ban, some shisha parlours remain operational. A recent investigation by the journal Daily Trust noted that many eateries and restaurants still offer shisha, and patrons admitted to smoking with added intoxicants—highlighting gaps in enforcement. In response, the government has begun setting up a dedicated task-force tasked with registering shisha-shops and enforcing the ban fully.
Citing an example, the Tourism Management Board also closed down a recreation centre along Tukur Road, Nasarawa GRA in Kano metropolis after undercover checks revealed young men and women smoking shisha and engaging in inappropriate swimming activities at the venue. The centre was operating without registration and in a residential rather than commercial area, prompting its immediate closure pending review.
The government’s move reflects broader efforts to regulate nightlife and entertainment venues across the state. In May 2025, the Kano State Film and Video Censorship Board announced that eight entertainment centres had been shut down for “unwholesome practices” and lack of proper approval, underscoring the wide-ranging regulatory tightening.
This latest clamp-down on shisha lounges also ties into public-health and moral concerns. Medical professionals noted that shisha smoking may be more harmful than cigarettes, increasing the risk of lung disease, cancer and other conditions, and the government stressed that its action aims to reduce “social vices” among youth and protect proper upbringing.
While the official narrative emphasises regulatory compliance and public well-being, critics argue that enforcement remains inconsistent and that many parlours continue operating under the radar. The government, however, insists that the registration of outlets and formation of enforcement teams will ensure full implementation of the ban.
