The Kano State Government has raised an alarm over deteriorating air quality in parts of the state capital, warning residents of potential health risks associated with exposure to airborne pollutants.
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This follows a weekly environmental assessment released by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, which covered the period from May 26 to May 30. The report highlighted areas such as Gaida, Ja’en, Sabon Titi, and Sharada Market as having unsafe levels of air pollution.
According to the ministry, prolonged exposure in these neighborhoods may increase the risk of respiratory illnesses and other pollution-related health problems. The state government said it is working on deploying environmental control measures to tackle the situation.
Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, described the current pollution levels as concerning and stressed the need for collective action. “The responsibility to protect our environment is not solely the government’s. Everyone must play a part,” he stated.
Some residents in the affected areas have reported a rise in health issues such as persistent coughing and breathing difficulties, attributing them to the worsening air quality.
Calls for urgent intervention have intensified, with residents urging authorities to address the impact of unregulated urban growth and unchecked industrial emissions.
Real-time air monitoring platform IQAir recently rated Kano’s air quality as “Moderate” with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 79. The primary pollutant identified is PM2.5—tiny airborne particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
Medical experts have voiced concern about the long-term effects of PM2.5 exposure. Consultant physician Professor Isa Abubakar warned that breathing polluted air over extended periods could lead to serious conditions such as asthma, lung cancer, heart disease, and even neurological disorders.
He advised the public to take precautionary steps, including minimizing outdoor activities, using protective face masks, and, where possible, relocating from highly polluted zones. He also urged the government to step up enforcement of environmental regulations to mitigate the health impacts of pollution.
The Ministry of Environment has assured the public that it will intensify efforts to monitor air quality and ensure necessary interventions are put in place to safeguard public health.
