The Kano State Government has issued an urgent warning to residents about poisonous air polluting several 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, conducted between May 26 and May 30, revealed significant pollution in specific neighborhoods including Gaida, Ja'en, Sabon Titi, and Sharada Market in parts of Kano Municipal and Kumbotso LGA. According to the report, the air in these areas is currently unsafe, posing substantial health risks to residents.

"The further loss of air quality may contribute to spreading respiratory illnesses and other diseases associated with pollution," the report warned, adding that the Ministry plans to implement environmental response measures in the affected areas.

Government Response to Environmental Crisis

Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, shared the report on his Facebook page, emphasizing collective responsibility. "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," he stated.

The Commissioner further expressed concern about "the rapid rate of environmental degradation taking place in the state," noting that "the government is looking at the next steps" to address the situation.

Residents Report Increasing Health Issues

BenriNews investigations confirmed the findings regarding poor air quality in the affected neighborhoods. Residents of Ja'en and Gaida have reported a noticeable increase in health issues, particularly persistent coughing and respiratory infections among both adults and children.

Ibrahim Sulaiman, a resident of Ja'en, 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. There was even a time our community leaders had to file a formal complaint against a company that processes engine oil."

"My neighbor has been coughing for nearly two weeks now. I hear him every night coughing from my house. Now even his family has caught it. We're really worried," Sulaiman added.

In Gaida, Shamsu Tijjani, who recently recovered from tuberculosis, lamented the situation. "Of course, we don't have the scientific tools to measure air quality ourselves, but we agree with the details the government is putting out," he explained.

"There are neighborhoods that are so dense; there is absolutely no urban planning. You can't turn in any direction without seeing construction, open spaces meant for schools or playgrounds have been taken over and built upon, motorcycles have difficulty navigating these tight passages," Tijjani said, adding, "I think my own illness was related to the air quality and difficult living conditions."

Current Air Quality and Health Implications

As of June 3, 2025, the air quality in Kano is categorized as "Moderate" with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 79. The primary pollutant contributing to this rating is fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which is currently measured at 24.2 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) according to IQAir.

PM2.5 particles are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller—approximately 30 times smaller than human hair. Due to their minute size, they can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, reach the lungs, or enter the bloodstream. Studies have linked exposure to high levels of PM2.5 with numerous adverse health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Professor Isa Abubakar, a consultant physician at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, explained the serious health risks posed by prolonged exposure to polluted air. "Air pollution can lead to asthma attacks and other forms of respiratory disease; over time you can even have lung cancer or neurological diseases like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's or other mental health issues."

Recommendations for Residents

Advising residents of polluted communities, Professor Abubakar suggested, "If possible, individuals should consider relocating or changing their place of work. If that's not feasible, they should reduce the time spent outdoors or wear face masks to minimize exposure. This can provide some level of protection."

He emphasized that addressing the issue goes beyond personal precautions. "The government must step in to enforce environmental regulations that will prevent further pollution and safeguard public health," he added.

Residents across all affected neighborhoods are expressing growing concern over the environmental and public health implications of unrestrained urbanization and industrial emissions. They are calling for immediate action by government agencies and environmental regulators to create a safer and cleaner environment for living.