Pollution Control: Kano targets 100% industrial compliance as treatment plants near completion

The Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir M. Hashim, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to addressing industrial pollution and protecting public health, following an inspection visit to key wastewater treatment facilities in the state.

Dr. Hashim disclosed this in a statement he personally signed on Monday after inspecting secondary treatment plants under the Kano Integrated Pollution Management Facility located in the Challawa, Bompai and Sharada industrial areas.

According to him, the intervention was prompted by years of persistent complaints from host communities over foul odours, polluted waterways, unsafe borehole water and increasing health concerns associated with untreated industrial discharge.

He noted that the situation had exposed residents to preventable diseases, degraded living conditions and weakened public confidence in environmental regulation.

“Addressing these community concerns and restoring public trust remains a central priority of our administration,” the commissioner said.

Dr. Hashim explained that the project was being implemented under the leadership and policy direction of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as part of broader efforts to strengthen environmental governance, protect public health and enforce responsible industrial practices across the state.

He added that the initiative was being executed in partnership with the Federal Government through the Ecological Fund Office and supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s technical model.

He said the facilities were designed to provide robust secondary treatment capacity for industrial wastewater, including effluent that had not been adequately pre-treated at source.

Read Also: Kano Govt highlights institutional reforms as environment commissioner marks one year in office

The commissioner stated that the project was nearing completion and had received wide ratification from industries operating within the various catchment areas.

He noted that the facilities have sufficient capacity to significantly reduce pollution loads entering rivers, drainage systems and groundwater.

Dr Hashim further explained that treated water from the plants could be safely recycled for industrial and agricultural purposes, while treated sludge could be processed into manure, thereby promoting environmental sustainability and resource recovery.

He stressed that upon full completion of the project, the government would enforce full compliance by all industrial operators across Kano State.

According to him, the aim is to permanently eliminate indiscriminate discharge of industrial waste and safeguard the health of host communities.

The commissioner also disclosed that the facilities were designed to be operationally self-sustaining through metered discharge accountability and service-based cost recovery.

He said this approach would ensure long-term functionality, institutional discipline and regulatory efficiency in line with Governor Yusuf’s vision for resilient public infrastructure and accountable governance.

Dr Hashim assured residents that the state government would continue to prioritise environmental protection and public health, while ensuring that industrial development does not come at the expense of community well-being.