By H.Y. Sa’id MIAENG, MNCS, MNATE

Despite the introduction of stringent environmental laws aimed at curbing pollution, the persistent issue of open defecation in Kano continues to pose a severe public health and sanitation crisis. The problem is particularly acute in rapidly expanding settlements and Almajiri schools, where the absence of proper sanitation facilities forces residents and students to resort to defecating in open spaces, uncompleted buildings, and garbage dumps.

New Environmental Laws, Old Challenges

In response to growing environmental concerns, the Kano State government has implemented robust policies targeting pollution, improper waste disposal, and open defecation. These measures are in line with Nigeria’s National Policy on the Environment, which seeks to promote sustainable development through effective environmental management.

However, enforcement remains weak, particularly in underserved communities. The lack of adequate public toilets and poor urban planning have exacerbated the problem, leaving many residents with no viable alternatives.

Efforts to Improve Water Quality and Urban Planning

The Kano State Water Supply Policy sets stringent standards for water quality, mandating regular monitoring to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Drinking Water Quality Standard. Meanwhile, the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) is tasked with regulating urban expansion to create more organized and habitable neighborhoods.

Despite these initiatives, many new settlements lack basic infrastructure, including proper sewage systems, making open defecation a daily reality for thousands.

Key Agencies and Their Roles

Several government bodies have been established to enforce environmental regulations:

Kano State Environmental Planning and Protection Agency (KASEPPA): Oversees compliance with environmental laws and manages public land, including the construction of public toilets.

Kano State Watershed, Erosion, and Climate Change Management Agency (KN-WECCMA): Focuses on mitigating environmental hazards such as erosion, flooding, and storm water management.

Yet, the absence of functional toilets in Almajiri schools where thousands of young students reside remains a critical issue. With no access to sanitation facilities, these children are compelled to relieve themselves in open spaces, worsening public health risks.

The Human Cost of Poor Sanitation

Residents in affected areas report unbearable conditions, especially during the rainy season when stagnant water mixes with human waste, creating foul odors and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.

When the first rains come, the whole area smells like a sewer, lamented, Malam Ibrahim, a resident of Walawa in Hotoro North Nassarawa LGA Kano State “Our children play near these dirty places, and we fear for their health.”

A Call for Immediate Action

To address this crisis, the government must:

1. Enforce existing sanitation laws, ensuring all schools especially Almajiri institutions, Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and some Tertiary Institutions provide proper toilet facilities.

2. Increase public toilet construction in high-risk areas to reduce open defecation.

3. Launch public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the dangers of poor sanitation.

4. Impose stricter penalties on violators to deter non-compliance.

Kano’s reputation as a thriving commercial and cultural hub should not be undermined by preventable sanitation failures. The state government must act decisively to enforce environmental laws, protect public health, and uphold the dignity of its citizens.

The time for action is now before the stench of neglect becomes an indelible stain on Kano’s future.

H.Y. Sa’id MIAENG, MNCS, MNATE

My Dear Khalifa

It has been seven years, yet it feels like yesterday since you departed. Our memories of you remain vivid, priceless, and are deeply rooted in our hearts. The moments we shared, your teachings and your selfless example continue to shape us daily, to the admiration of many.

Your legacy, especially your deep devotion to Islam and its propagation, still echoes across generations and geographies. Through your life of service, you inspired countless others to embrace kindness, humility, and compassion. You lived not just for yourself but in service to others, and this principle continues to guide our path.

In honour of your memory, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to selfless service. We will continue to support noble causes and charitable undertakings that reflect the values you lived by, regardless of race, gender, or background.

May the Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, keep granting you Al Jannah Firdaus. May your soul continue to rest in the eternal peace and light of His divine presence.

Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON
For the Family

08.05.2025.

Isyaku Ibrahim

There is no doubt whenever you talk about Enyimba of Aba in Nigeria’s top flight who won the competition nine time, the next team that will come to your mind is Kano Pillars that lifted the trophy on four good occasions. But nowadays,it seems the Kano darling is losing its prestige, recognition and above all popularity in the local league. 

This was as a result of lack of total commitment, determination, tenacity, patriotism,diligence and seriousness which the side was known for in the past.

To say the fact, the pyramid City lad was previously rated among the traditional teams in the top flight as they have established and tested players that would not disappoint their teeming fans no matter where they are playing.

It was based on this late Rashidi Yekini while watching the team at Adamasingba Stadium now Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan said if he was to play for a local team he would prefer to lace his boot for Kano Pillars ahead of others.

The reason he Said was simply due to excellent free flow football of the team but now it seems that has gone for bad.

When the club was established as early as 1990 among the objectives behind was to boost the name of the state through football and beside that win trophies with a view to competing favourably with others.

While those behind the idea should be commended to a large extent for their foresight in that respect in view of how the team is now a household name in the round leather game countrywide but there is the need for a collaborative effort with a view to normalising things in the ancient city side as the club has now stepped down from its aforementioned aims and objectives.

It is painful that the team’s main priority nowadays was not to lift the league as the case was previously but to survive relegation which was baseless,laughable and nothing to write home about considering their past experience particularly when they were based at Sabongari Stadium.

Definitely,this season is almost over as Remo Stars are as good as being crowned the winners of the event

The best option for Sai Masu Gida is to start early preparation for the upcoming season through putting their house in order aimed at restoring their winning culture as the teeming fans are tired of flimsy excuses on the reason behind their lack lustre performance year in year out.

Honestly, what they are basically hoping for is to see the club matches theory with practice through grabbing the trophy or at least earning one of the three continental tickets in the country.

optimistically this is achievable with the full support of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf coupled with that of his laborious and submissive Deputy Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, good management, superb technical crew and the support of ardent fans who are always with the side in either thick or thin.

Ibrahim is a Director Public Enlightenment at Kano State Ministry of Special Duties.