The Kano State Government has warned residents of poisonous air polluting many areas of the state capital, following the release of the state’s weekly environmental report by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
The air quality assessment was conducted between May 26 and May 30 and revealed that there was pollution in specific places such as Gaida, Ja’en, Sabon Titi, and Sharada Market in parts of Kano Municipal and Kumbotso LGA. The report specified that the air in these neighborhoods is currently unsafe and that there may be a health risk to those residents.
The report further stated, “the further loss of air quality may contribute spreading respiratory illnesses and other diseases associated with pollution.” In concluding, the Ministry said it planned to implement environmental response measures in Gaida, Ja’en, Sabon Titi, and Sharada Market.
Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change in the state, released the report on his Facebook page. He said, “It is the duty of us all to take care of the environment. Environmental stewardship is the responsibility of both the government and the public.”
“The government is also concerned about the rapid rate of environmental degradation taking place in the state, and the government is looking at the next steps.” Further investigation revealed confirmed the findings of the Kano State Government regarding poor air quality in several neighborhoods.
Residents of Ja’en and Gaida, two of the affected areas, have reported a noticeable increase in health issues, particularly persistent coughing and respiratory infections among both adults and children.
In Ja’en, Ibrahim Sulaiman shared his concern over the growing number of people falling ill. “I’m not surprised,” he said. “We live close to an industrial zone, and many of these companies release different chemical substances and emit strong odors, especially at night.
