KANO, Nigeria – Residents of Kano State are on edge following a government warning about hazardous air pollution spreading across several neighborhoods in the state capital, with health authorities linking it to a surge in respiratory illnesses.
The alert came after the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change released its weekly environmental report, which showed alarming levels of air contamination in areas including Gaida, Ja’en, Sabon Titi, and Sharada Market—spanning parts of Kano Municipal and Kumbotso Local Government Areas.
According to the report, which covers May 26 to May 30, air quality in these areas is classified as unsafe, raising concerns over the potential spread of pollution-related diseases.
“The further decline in air quality may contribute to the spread of respiratory infections and other health issues,” the report stated.
In response, the Ministry announced plans to deploy environmental response teams to the affected neighborhoods. The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, who shared the findings on his official Facebook page, emphasized the collective responsibility of citizens and authorities to protect the environment.
“The government is deeply concerned about the rapid rate of environmental degradation in the state and is considering the next steps,” he said.
An independent investigation by DAILY POST confirmed the state’s findings, with several residents reporting a noticeable rise in illness, particularly among children and the elderly.
In Ja’en, resident Ibrahim Sulaiman voiced concern over the health of his neighbors.
“I’m not surprised,” he said. “We live near an industrial area. At night, strong chemical smells fill the air. One company that processes engine oil was so bad, our community leaders had to file a formal complaint.”
“My neighbor has been coughing nonstop for almost two weeks. Now, even his wife and children are ill,” he added.
In Gaida, another hotspot listed in the report, 37-year-old Shamsu Tijjani—who recently recovered from tuberculosis—blamed the worsening air quality for the health challenges in his community.
“Even though we don’t have scientific tools to measure the air, we know what we’re breathing is harmful,” he said.
“There’s no urban planning. Construction is everywhere. Open spaces for schools or recreation have been overtaken. The environment is choking us.”
Many residents are calling on the government to act swiftly, citing fears that unchecked urbanization and industrial emissions could worsen public health crises in the future.
As of June 3, 2025, Kano’s air quality is rated “Moderate” with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 79, according to global air monitoring platform IQAir. The dominant pollutant is PM2.5—fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller—recorded at 24.2 µg/m³.
Understanding PM2.5 and Its Dangers
PM2.5 particles are tiny enough to bypass the body’s natural defenses, penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream. Long-term exposure has been linked to serious health conditions including asthma, heart disease, lung cancer, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
In a phone interview with DAILY POST, Professor Isa Abubakar, a consultant physician at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, warned that prolonged exposure to polluted air poses a major public health threat.
“Pollution can trigger asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and even increase the risk of cancer or neurological diseases,” he said.
For those living in high-risk areas, Professor Abubakar advised reducing outdoor activities, wearing face masks, or relocating where possible. However, he stressed that systemic change is needed.
“Personal precautions help, but the government must enforce environmental regulations to stop the pollution at its source,” he concluded.
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