By Abbas Nazil
Traveling from Jigawa to Kano, then onward to Niger State and finally Kogi State offered a firsthand view of Nigeria’s diverse climatic and infrastructural conditions.
The journey began in Jigawa, where the weather was relatively mild, but as we approached Kano, the heat became more pronounced, signaling a shift in climate.
Kano presented a mixture of bustling city activity and the challenges of intense heat, which tested the endurance of both travelers and residents.
From Kano, the journey continued into Niger State, where the effects of ongoing road construction were immediately visible. Dust rose in thick clouds along major highways, reducing visibility and making navigation difficult for motorists.
The dusty conditions disrupted the daily lives of locals, particularly school pupils, whose routines were affected by the poor air quality. Pedestrians struggled to move along roadsides, and businesses reported declining customer activity due to the discomfort caused by dust.
The pervasive construction also highlighted the strain on infrastructure, as essential transport routes were partially blocked or uneven, causing delays and adding stress to the commute.
Continuing toward Kogi State, the environmental conditions remained challenging. The atmosphere was heavy with dust and heat, and the roads appeared poorly maintained in several sections. Construction activity seemed ongoing, with machinery and debris adding to the congestion.
Motorists found it increasingly difficult to navigate, while roadside communities were affected by the combination of heat, dust, and irregular traffic patterns.
The visual impact of dust-filled air combined with sweltering temperatures painted a stark picture of the challenges residents face in these regions. Livelihoods dependent on smooth transport and mobility, such as traders and school commuters, were particularly vulnerable.
Throughout the journey, the variations in climatic conditions—from relatively moderate weather in Jigawa to heat and dust in Kano, Niger, and Kogi States—demonstrated how infrastructure development and environmental factors intersect to affect daily life.
This travel experience underscored the urgent need for careful planning and mitigation measures during road construction to minimize disruption and health risks, particularly in regions where extreme heat and dust are already pressing concerns.
The journey not only revealed Nigeria’s vibrant regional differences but also highlighted the human and environmental challenges that arise from uncoordinated infrastructural development amid harsh climatic conditions.
