By Muhammad Amaan
Aminu Magashi Garba Foundation (AMGF) has hosted the Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Hashim and some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), for the third edition of monthly policy and budget Roundtable Discussion.
The roundtable discussion which was conducted in partnership with Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS), White Heart Development Initiative (WHDI), VPESDI and the Community and Health Research Initiative (CHR), deliberated on environmental pollution control law in Kano State.
The event which gathered stakeholders from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and government circles discussed extensively on the law, its components and enforcement.
Health Reporters Newspaper reports that the gathering was aimed at discussing how to collaborate between government and relevant organisations to tackle environmental issues in the state, especially pollution.
Speaking at the meeting, the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Hashim said the State Government is planning to plant five million trees across the state in the year 2025.
He revealed that the initiative is the first of its kind in the state’s history, adding that it will be implemented in collaboration with non-governmental organisations.
Dr Hashim also revealed the state government’s plan to combat air pollution, improve the environment, and fight erosion, saying the ministry’s laboratory is working to measure air quality of many communities to fight environmental pollution.
“The tree planting exercise we are planning involves planting five million trees. Some may think it’s a joke, but we assure people that we will provide a platform where the people of Kano themselves can take part in the planting. As I have already extended an invitation to the Aminu Magashi Garba Foundation, this project will involve everyone.
“Our pledge is that all trees planted will be protected. We will engage organisations and create platforms to ensure proper maintenance.”
He also revealed that the Kano State Government is planning to beautify major roads in the state capital with trees, as was done on Lodge Road.
Dr Hashim also spoke about environmental protection laws, and warned against illegal tree cutting and other violations of environmental regulations, stating that the law will be enforced.
“It is not our intention to enact laws to inconvenience people, but to improve the quality of our environment,” he explained.
The commissioner revealed that the Kano State Government has created a website where citizens can report erosion issues in their communities. He encouraged the public to visit the site and submit their complaints.
Dr Hashim also commended Dr Aminu Magashi Garba for spearheading the roundtable discussion.
“Today, I had the privilege of speaking at the third Edition of the Monthly Policy & Budget Roundtable organised by the AMG Foundation and partners. The roundtable focused on the Kano State Environmental Pollution Control Law 2022, an important milestone in our efforts to build a cleaner and healthier Kano.
“At the event, I shared key updates on our ongoing efforts on Environmental Pollution Control in the state, including the renovation and full activation of our Pollution Control Laboratory, the ongoing eight-week sensitisation campaign across the state on the law, and our plans to launch a digital platform for real-time pollution reporting.
“I sincerely thank Dr Aminu Magashi Garba for the warm welcome and commend all civil society partners for their active engagement and thoughtful suggestions during the discussion.
“This event reinforces our shared commitment to environmental reform, grassroots advocacy, and accountable implementation. Together, we can deliver a safer and more sustainable Kano,” he said.
Also speaking, Chair of the AMGF, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, said this is the third time community development organisations have held such a meeting.
“We discussed how to collaborate with organisations and the government to tackle environmental issues, especially air pollution.
“There are already laws addressing these problems and erosion, and people have presented their concerns, which will be reviewed to find solutions.”
Health Reporters Newspaper reports that some of the participants during the question-and-answer session called for more government efforts to address environmental pollution across the state through new strategies and policies.
Another participant at the meeting called on the Kano state government to consider recruiting environmental extension services workers to boost the effort of safeguarding the community.
