A wave of extreme heat, with temperatures soaring over 41°C, poses serious health risks and makes daily life increasingly unbearable for Kano residents.
Abdulganiyyu Muhammad Mika’il of Na’ibawa Quarters, situated in Kumbotso LGA, describes how residents struggle with heat-related illnesses such as high fever, dry skin, and persistent headaches.
“We noticed boils and heat rashes, especially in the bodies of children; and others are down with fever. Those who own shops sometimes lock up their shops because of the heat,” he says.
Another resident, Imrana Usman, says the heat has made daily living unbearable.
According to Usman, “Traders sometimes lock up their shops, especially when the sun is over 42 degrees.”
"We planted 19 trees, and we are currently enjoying them because, with or without electricity, we enjoy the cool breeze."
In Kano, experts attribute the persistent heat wave to climate change and widespread deforestation to make way for rapid urban development.
Trees are being cut down to make way for roads, houses, and shops.
This is against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 which stresses urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy by 2030.
Kundila Community’s Intervention
Concerned about the implications, Alh. Inuwa and Saleh Dauda, both residents of Kundila in Kano Municipal, took matters into their own hands.
They planted 19 trees on both sides of their street in Layin Gidan Kifi.
A few years later, the once-exposed street now enjoys full shade, with thick canopies shielding it from direct sunlight.
Speaking to Nigeria Info, Nazifi Ahmed, who was responsible for watering the trees, said the residents "collaborated and watered the trees twice daily to ensure they achieve their set goals.”
"The initiative has significantly reduced the area's temperature and improved residents' comfort," he says.
Nazifi further adds that passersby usually stand under the trees, especially when the heat reaches 42 degrees.
The community plans to plant more trees to "combat the heat wave for good.”
Beyond its environmental benefits, the tree-lined street has become a small business hub.
Haruna Abubakar, who runs a car wash in the area, says the cooler climate has boosted his business, with customer numbers now ranging from 30 to 50 daily.
He attributes this to the comfort customers enjoy under the shade.
One such customer, Muhammad Aminu, could be seen lounging on a mat, eyes closed, enjoying the gentle breeze.
Speaking in the spirit of this year's World Earth Day with the theme “Our Planet, Our Power,” Muhammad urges homeowners and developers to “plant at least one tree in every household to help cool the environment and combat the harsh weather.”
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has warned that intense temperatures could lead to fatigue, irritability, loss of concentration, reduced productivity, and could worsen existing mental health conditions.
To stay safe, the agency recommends drinking at least three litres of water daily, taking cold baths, and using cooling methods like damp towels or face sprays.
Also, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has buttressed NiMET's point, warning that a heat wave has significant implications for physical and mental well-being.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Dr Muhammad Aminu Musa, NMA emphasised that “vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, and people who were overweight, were at higher risk during excessive heat waves.”
The current hot weather can lead to a number of adverse effects, including dehydration, heat fatigue, heat stress, and exhaustion.
Kano Government to Plant 10 Million Trees in Four Years
In response to the growing concern, the Kano State government launched a bold initiative in 2024 to plant three million trees across the state.
The campaign underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the detrimental effects of climate change, soil erosion, land degradation, and desertification, while boosting agricultural productivity.
According to the government, the state aims to plant 10 million trees within the first term of Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration.
The government also says it took a three-pronged strategy: engaging local government officials, traditional leaders, and households to ensure tree planting; launching educational initiatives for young people from primary to tertiary institutions to instill the importance of tree planting; and nurturing.
Other strategies include involving civil servants, religious leaders, the business community, and political officeholders in the statewide tree planting and management efforts.
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Abdulhamid Bala, says the tree-planting initiative aims to tackle heat waves, curb desertification, and reduce urban flooding caused by unchecked tree felling.
Environmental experts are now emphasizing that residents must take responsibility by planting and preserving trees to safeguard their health and create a more livable environment.
As the heat continues to rise in Kano, the trees in Kundila stand as a symbol of how a small act can lead to meaningful change.
