By Rabiu Sanusi
The Managing Director of the Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB), Dr. Muhammad S. Khalil, has praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what he described as remarkable achievements in environmental sanitation and public service delivery over the past three years.
Speaking with Journalists in his office ahead of the third anniversary of the administration, Dr. Khalil said the accomplishments of Governor Yusuf were too numerous to be fully captured within a short period.
According to him, REMASAB was in a state of neglect before the current administration came into office, with the agency largely abandoned and unable to effectively discharge its responsibilities.
“When Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf assumed office, he directed us to revive the agency and provided the necessary support, equipment and resources needed to restore its operations,” he said.
The REMASAB boss noted that one of the administration’s key interventions was the improvement of workers’ welfare through the regular payment of salaries and enhancement of allowances for sanitation workers, enabling them to perform their duties more efficiently.
Dr. Khalil disclosed that the agency established a Mobile Environmental Court to prosecute offenders who violate environmental sanitation laws across Kano State. He said the initiative has significantly improved public awareness and compliance with environmental regulations.
He added that massive refuse evacuation exercises have been carried out across the state, including in locations where waste had accumulated for as long as 18 years without proper clearance.
“Residents can testify to the tremendous improvements in waste collection and environmental cleanliness. Many dumpsites that had remained untouched for nearly two decades have now been cleared,” he stated.
The Managing Director further revealed that the administration rehabilitated several REMASAB vehicles and acquired additional operational trucks and equipment to strengthen waste management services.
Dr. Khalil also highlighted Governor Yusuf’s directive for the fumigation of schools and all 44 local government areas to combat mosquitoes and improve public health conditions.
In a move aimed at improving healthcare for workers, he said the governor facilitated the establishment of a clinic dedicated to the medical needs of REMASAB staff.
The agency, according to him also procured waste bins and sanitation support equipment distributed across various parts of Kano State to enhance refuse disposal and environmental management.
On women empowerment, Dr. Khalil disclosed that REMASAB trained 160 women on waste sorting, recycling and waste management techniques to enable them become self-reliant and contribute to environmental sustainability.
He said partnerships have also been established with recycling companies to create employment opportunities, generate revenue for the state and promote effective waste recycling practices.
The REMASAB chief further explained that the agency introduced school-based waste recycling initiatives where students are encouraged to collect recyclable materials in exchange for incentives. The programme, he noted is designed to instill environmental responsibility in young people while exposing them to legitimate means of earning a livelihood.
“We want children to understand that indiscriminate waste disposal is harmful and that recycling can create economic opportunities and encourage self-reliance,” he said.
Dr. Khalil also announced that the Kano State Government has revived a waste recycling and conversion facility capable of transforming refuse into organic fertilizer.
He disclosed that the agency has already commenced fertilizer production using waste collected from major markets, including Yankaba Market and other commercial centres across Kano State.
The REMASAB Managing Director described Governor Yusuf’s three-year stewardship as a period of environmental renewal, institutional revival and people-centred governance, expressing optimism that ongoing reforms would further enhance sanitation, public health and economic development across the state.