FEATURE: Dump sites take over Sokoto metropolis, endanger public health

Ibrahim Ali, a 65-year-old resident of the Kofar Dundaye area in Sokoto metropolis, is thankful for being alive after falling seriously ill from inhaling the smoke from burning refuse from a dump site.

Ali suffered severely from smoke exposure, to the point where he required hospital treatment and spent a significant amount of money on medication, despite the high cost of living in the country. Describing his ordeal with distress, he recounted, “The last time the refuse was burned, I inhaled the smoke and immediately fell ill.

I had to visit the hospital for treatment, incurring expenses despite not having the money.” Ali further lamented that the refuse and dump sites have been causing significant disturbances for both residents and commuters, as the waste nearly covers the main road. He added that he couldn’t recall the last time the government cleared the site.

Ibrahim Ali observing Askar after Asr prayer
Photocredit:Shehu Muhammad Shehu

As you leave the Sokoto cattle market and approach Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko Jumu’atu Mosque along the Sokoto Western Bypass in the Kofar Ɗunɗaye area, the abandoned dump site—where waste has been indiscriminately disposed of for years—stands as a stark reminder of this ongoing issue.

The dump has grown so large that it now spills onto the main road, raising serious concerns for commuters navigating the highway.

ƘofarƊunɗaye abandoned dumpsite
Photocredit:ShehuMuhammadShehu

A study highlights that indiscriminate solid waste disposal is one of the major environmental challenges facing developing countries. Health hazards, traffic congestion, unpleasant odors, and the blockage of drainages are just some of the problems caused by poor waste management practices in Nigeria.

“It Affects Our Health and Our Business” Small-Scale Business Owners Groan

Muhammadu Abacha, a meat seller near the dump site, said he cannot remember the last time the government cleared or evacuated the site. He noted that it has been over six months, and only the government can address the issue.

Abacha lamented that the site was never intended for waste disposal, but due to the absence of an officially designated dump site in the area, people have been using it. He added that some residents come on foot, while others use vehicles to dispose of their refuse at the site.

He explained, “I sell meat here, and when people come to buy and are greeted by the odor, they are discouraged. The dump site has almost occupied the main road, as you can see.”

He urged the government to either remove the refuse from the road or help clear the site.

Similarly, Anwar Aliyu, a food vendor in the area, described the dump site as a threat to his business and public health, especially during the rainy season.

Aliyu said, “The smell of the abandoned refuse, particularly during the rainy season, deters my customers. After rainfall, the air becomes so foul that it is hard to breathe. Consequently, people cannot comfortably stay and buy my food.”

Aliyu explained that the refuse has been accumulating for about five years, and they are unsure when it will be cleared, as the plot owner appears to be using refuse to fill the place.

Anwar Aliyu’s business site opposite the dumpsite
Photocredit:Shehu Muhammad Shehu

He expressed concern over the lack of a proper dump site, stating that the current site was once bought by someone who left it, leading to improper waste disposal. He called on the plot owner to either start working on the area or clear the refuse, as it is impacting their health and businesses.

This reporter gathered that the land belongs to the owner of a nearby filling station, but residents have turned it into a dump site due to the absence of a designated waste disposal in the area.

Government’s Failure

To ensure a clean and safe environment, the Sokoto State Government established the then Sokoto Urban Development Authority (SUDA) which is now known as the State Urban and Regional Planning Board (SURPB), and the State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), to monitor the environment and to ensure a refuse-free environment.

In the 2024 Sokoto state-approved budget, 4.3 billion naira was allocated to the Ministry of Environment, while the SEPA received only 13.2 million naira. This shows a significant underfunding of the agency considering the population of the Sokoto metropolis. However, in the 2023 approved budget, the same amount was allocated for the agency and the performance of the 2023 budget indicated that no single naira was spent under the agency.

2024 Sokoto state approved budget for the ministry of environment
Photocredit:ShehuMuhammadShehu

As a result of this inadequate funding, several areas in the Sokoto metropolis continue to struggle with improper waste disposal and inadequate waste evacuation. In areas like Kofar Ɗunɗaye, Dambuwa, Bafarawa Estate, Tamaje area, Kasuwar Daji, Gagi, Manna-ƙarama, Mabera and many areas it’s difficult to find designated waste disposal sites, leading residents to dump refuse wherever they choose.

This situation contributes to open defecation in many areas, which experts warn could lead to outbreaks of cholera and other airborne diseases.

A young girl defecating openly on a dump sit