Toxic air pollution in Kano: health risk for residents

In its weekly environmental report, the Kano Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has warned about poisonous air pollution in many areas of the state capital. The air quality assessment was conducted between May 26 and May 30. It revealed heavy levels of pollution in specific places such as Gaida, Ja’en, Sabon Titi, and Sharada Market in parts of Kano Municipal and Kumbotso LGA. The air in these places is currently unsafe and it poses a potential health risk to residents. The report also noted the risk that further loss of air quality may contribute to the spread of respiratory illnesses and other pollution-linked diseases. In response to the situation, the Ministry said it planned to implement environmental measures in several of the affected places, including Gaida and Sabon Titi.
Further investigation by the DAILY POST confirmed the report findings. Residents of Ja’en and Gaida, two of the affected areas, have reported a noticeable increase in health issues, particularly respiratory infections among both adults and children. They have also expressed concern over the environmental and public health implications of excessive urbanization and industrial emissions. Shamsu Tijani, a resident of Gaida who recently recovered from tuberculosis, lamented the lack of open spaces for children and tied his illness to the bad air quality and difficult living conditions. Professor Isa Abubakar, a consultant physician at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, told the DAILY POST that tackling the issue of air pollution goes beyond personal responsibility, requiring direct government intervention in the defence of public health.