Kano Govt Warns Against Hawking, Scavenging Under Bridges as Enforcement Begins

The Kano State Government has warned residents against turning bridges and other public infrastructure into markets or locations for illegal activities, threatening prosecution for violators.

The Chairman of the Kano State Special Taskforce on Illegal Structures, Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, issued the warning on Wednesday during an inspection of Tal’udu Bridge as part of the committee’s ongoing enforcement operations across Kano metropolis.

Sani directed hawkers, scavengers and other individuals operating under the bridge to vacate the area immediately, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate the misuse of public facilities.
He said bridges constructed with billions of naira from public funds were not meant for trading, scavenging or recreational activities, adding that anyone found violating the regulations would face legal action.

“This place was not designated for hawking, scavenging, or as a football field. Anyone found violating these regulations will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
The taskforce chairman said the enforcement exercise was aimed at restoring order around public facilities and protecting government investments.
He urged residents to develop a better attitude towards public infrastructure, noting that cleaner and safer cities could only be achieved when citizens comply with environmental regulations.
“We must change our attitude, especially here in Kano, if we want to build a cleaner, safer, and more organized city,” Sani added.
He further noted that developed countries, including Saudi Arabia, strictly enforce environmental laws, making it difficult for residents to misuse public spaces or dispose of waste indiscriminately.