All but a few passing oil executives had been treated to the sight of Kano's festivities, held annually to mark the traditional month of pilgrimage to Mecca. For days the city is turned over to nothing but music, dancing and feasting. Thousands parade in front of Emir's Palace atop horses weighed down with ornate jewellery. Kano City wants to lead the nation's tourist revival. Yet success relies on peace and stability, something Nigeria is struggling to secure. Just last week religious violence gripped the region as cities, including Kano, consider introducing Islamic law, a move that may prove unpopular with tourists.

Produced by Jo Kearney