The towering gates of Kano, remnants of the ancient city walls known in Hausa as Ganuwa, stand today as some of the most iconic symbols of Hausa history and civilization.

Built initially between 1095 and 1134 during the reign of Sarki Gijimasu and completed in the mid-14th century under Sarki Zamnagawa, the walls were once described as “the most impressive monument in West Africa.”

Speaking to SolaceBase, Dr. Gaddafi Abubakar, a lecturer at the Department of History, Northwest University, Kano, said the walls and their gates were not only defensive structures but also cultural symbols that defined the Hausa kingdoms.

He recalled the account of Fredrick Lugard, the colonial governor who captured Kano in 1903, describing the walls with awe, claiming he had “never seen anything like it in Africa.”

The ancient walls, which stretched around Dala Hill, Kurmi Market, and the Emir’s Palace, once rose to heights of between 30 and 50 feet, with a thickness of about 40 feet at the base.

Around them were 15 gates, each serving as an entry point to the walled city.

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“In history, ganuwa (walls) and kofa (gates) were inseparable. Whenever a wall was extended, a gate would also be created to allow movement of people,” Dr. Abubakar explained.

“Sometimes these gates were built out of necessity. For instance, during the reign of Emir Abdullahi Bayero, there was a wall, known as badala, stretching from Gidan Murtala to Kofar Na’isa.

“At that time, there was no Sabuwar Kofa. It was later created by breaking the badala to allow students to cross and attend Rumfa College and their hostels, now part of GGSS Sabuwar Kofa. Because it was the newest, it was simply named Sabuwar Kofa—the new gate.”

Dr. Abubakar further noted that many of the gates were constructed at different times by different Emirs, depending on the needs of the people.

“Whenever the population grew and there was a need to ease movement, an Emir would order a new gate to be opened through the walls,” he said.

Architecturally, the gates reflected Hausa creativity. Built with mud, dried grass, timber, stones, and metals, they were designed with cultural symbols such as the tambarin arewa—a motif widely recognized as a Hausa emblem.

Although the gates were originally under the care of traditional rulers, the Federal Government declared them national monuments in 1959.

However, Dr. Abubakar expressed concern that some of the walls are deteriorating due to poor maintenance.

He described the walls as a cultural landmark of global significance. “When you mention city walls, people think of Babylon or Jerusalem, but Kano’s walls are special,” he said.

He further added that, “They were not just barriers — behind them was water, which served to control flooding and improve security. The gates allowed passage for people and goods, making tax collection easier.”

Dr. Abubakar stressed that restoring the gates and walls would not only preserve history but also transform them into a hub for tourism and revenue generation.

“Look at Egypt — people travel thousands of miles to see the pyramids. The same can happen here if the walls are properly maintained,” he added.

Among the most recognized gates of Kano today are Kofar Dan Agundi, Kofar Nasarawa, Sabuwar Kofa, Kofar Na’isa, Kofar Gadankaya, Kofar Famfo, Kofar Dukawiya, Kofar Kabuga, Kofar Kansakali, Kofar Waika, Kofar Ruwa, Kofar Dawanau, Kofar Wambai, Kofar Mazugal, and Kofar Mata.

He emphasized that, “These gates are more than passageways. They are living symbols of Hausa history and heritage, and their preservation is key to understanding our past and inspiring future generations.”