Experts and community leaders warn that persistent smoke, foul odour and open burning at the Tudun-Ilu dumpsite are exposing residents to serious environmental and health risks.

 The Kaduna State Government has been urged to urgently evaluate and evacuate the Tudun-Ilu dump site, described as one of the state’s oldest waste disposal grounds, with environmental experts and a community monarch proposing that the land be converted into temporary shops and other community facilities.

The appeal followed a field assessment of the site by environmental scientists led by Comrade Ibrahima Yakubu, Head of Communication and Strategies at African Climate Reporters and lecturer at the African Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies.

The Tudun-Ilu dump site sits near the Fire Brigade in Tudun Wada, in a densely populated part of Kaduna metropolis, Northwestern Nigeria. Residents say it has served as a waste ground for decades and is now a major source of air pollution, smoke, and health problems, especially for women and children.

After inspecting the site, Yakubu and his team said the accumulated refuse must be properly evacuated to protect residents from toxic fumes released by burning and decomposition.

“There is a need for the authorities to properly evaluate the dump site and evacuate the accumulated waste, so as to save residents against dangerous smoke from the trash dump site,” Yakubu said.

He proposed replacing the site with structured temporary shops for traders or other community-use facilities instead of allowing plastics and other waste to keep piling up.

Yakubu also called on residents to stop setting the dump ablaze and urged government and civil society to step up public awareness on the dangers of open burning of waste.

The community leader of Unguwan Tudun-Ilu, Mai-Unguwa Mallam Husaini Yakubu, told reporters that residents have lived with the consequences of the dump for many years.

According to him, the site now receives not only household refuse but also animal waste and garbage trucked in from Kaduna Central Market. The result, he said, is smoke that hangs over the area from morning until evening.

“We have been living with persistent smoke and respiratory-related health challenges within the community,” Mallam Husaini said. “We appeal to the relevant authorities to put an end to the continued dumping of waste at the site.”

He suggested that converting the location into temporary shops or other useful facilities would end the environmental burden while also creating economic opportunities.

The monarch further called on humanitarian organizations, civil society groups, and health experts to work with government and community leaders to find a lasting solution to waste management in the area.

Environmental stakeholders at the visit stressed that waste management must become a priority across Kaduna metropolis. They recommended a coordinated response that includes:

Urgent evacuation of existing waste at Tudun-Ilu, Immediate ban on open burning at the site, Provision of alternative and properly managed disposal facilities Strengthened waste collection, recycling, and public awareness programmes.

Yakubu said such measures would help reduce air pollution, improve living conditions, and protect public health not only in Tudun-Ilu but in surrounding communities.

He commended the team of visiting scientists and journalists for documenting the situation and appealed to relevant authorities to act without delay.

Residents of Tudun-Ilu have repeatedly petitioned authorities to relocate or properly manage the site. With smoke, foul odour, and health complaints continuing, community leaders say the time for action is now.