9am News Nigeria reports that the surge in divorces during the 1990s earned Kano the moniker of Nigeria’s “divorce capital,” a title that persists to this day.
A 2022 BBC investigation, conducted in collaboration with the local administration, revealed that 32% of marriages in Kano “divorce capital”dissolve within three to six months. Additionally, the study highlighted a troubling trend: some individuals between the ages of 20 and 25 have already been through three marriages.
Despite the efforts of the Kano State Hisbah, an Islamic organization backed by the state to uphold Sharia law and address moral issues, the high rate of separation remains a significant concern. The predominantly Muslim populace is prohibited from consuming alcohol, and a dedicated police unit enforces gender segregation in public spaces. The Hisbah also offers counseling services aimed at helping troubled couples salvage their marriages. Why, then, is the divorce rate in Kano so high?
One factor contributing to Kano’s high divorce rate is early marriage. Many young people rush into wedlock, often before they turn 18.
Another contributing factor, as pointed out by 9am News Nigeria, is the simplicity of the Islamic divorce procedure, where a man only needs to say “I divorce you” or put it in writing. Nowadays, some even consider statements posted on social media as valid divorce decrees.
In Kano, matchmakers play a crucial role in forming marriages and relationships. Ogasabi notes that in this traditional Muslim society, it is uncommon for single men and women to meet potential spouses on their own. Consequently, many couples brought together by matchmakers enter marriage knowing very little about each other, increasing the likelihood of future conflicts.
