Kano govt. urges residents to report environmental law violations

Kano State Government has called on residents to actively report violations of environmental laws to support ongoing efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.

This appeal was made by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, during the third edition of the Monthly Policy and Budget Roundtable, organized by the AMG Foundation in collaboration with its partners, on Tuesday.

Dr. Hashim outlined several key initiatives undertaken by the ministry, including the renovation and full activation of the state’s Pollution Control Laboratory.

He also announced an ongoing eight-week sensitization campaign aimed at educating the public about environmental regulations and the forthcoming launch of a digital platform for real-time pollution reporting.

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“Report violations such as illegal waste dumping, the discharge of untreated pollutants into the air, or excessive noise pollution in real time,” Dr. Hashim urged. “Authorised officers, as defined under Section 2 of the Environmental Pollution Control Law, will act swiftly based on such reports, deploying rapid response teams. Offending items may be seized, and non-compliant facilities may be shut down in accordance with Section 15 of the law.”

However, Dr. Hashim emphasised that government action alone is not enough to ensure success. He called on civil society organisations and independent groups to support the campaign by organizing community workshops, training volunteer environmental monitors, and promoting public awareness.

“Encourage voluntary reporting of violations such as the discharge of untreated human waste or the illegal dumping of hazardous substances. This is not an act of blame but a demonstration of civic responsibility and pride,” he said.

He highlighted the crucial role communities play in ensuring compliance with provisions such as mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) for all major development projects in the state.

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Addressing industrial and commercial stakeholders, Dr. Hashim urged them to view compliance with the Environmental Pollution Control Law not as a burden, but as a competitive advantage.

“The law mandates that industries treat effluents to acceptable standards and regulate emissions of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide,” he stated. “Adhering to these standards, securing renewable environmental permits, and maintaining proper environmental audit and safety plans will enhance investor confidence, protect workers, and provide access to eco-conscious markets.”

Dr. Hashim also emphasized specific regulatory measures in the law, including the prohibition of abattoirs and commercial poultry farms in residential areas (Sections 11 and 12), the licensing of sewage collectors, and strict guidelines for waste disposal at designated sites. He further underscored the importance of monthly environmental sanitation exercises to instill a culture of shared responsibility.

“These measures directly benefit public health and improve urban living conditions,” he said. “But their success depends on our collective action. Clean air, safe water, and fertile land are not luxuries—they are fundamental human rights.”

Dr. Hashim also urged the participants to support the law through budgetary allocations for laboratory equipment and public awareness campaigns. He also encouraged the exploration of public-private partnerships to develop waste management infrastructure and promote green technology in industries.

“With united effort and the strong leadership of our Governor, Engineer Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, we can transform the goals of this law into lasting progress. Let us seize this opportunity to build a greener, healthier Kano for all.”

He also expressed appreciation to Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, founder of the AMG Foundation, for the warm welcome and lauded civil society organizations for their commitment and valuable contributions during the roundtable.

On his part, Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba , founder of the Foundation, commended Dr. Hashim for his leadership and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to collaborate fully with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. He also thanked the Commissioner for honoring the invitation to attend the event.