KOWA YA BAR GIDA — OUR CULTURE, HISTORY AND HERITAGE SERIES
PART 4
KANO, NIGERIA —
The ancient city walls of Kano are among the most significant historical features reflecting the traditional systems of life, security and commercial development that helped establish Kano as one of the major historical and trading centres of Northern Nigeria.
However, as the city continues to expand rapidly, questions remain about how this heritage can be protected from deterioration, encroachment and other pressures that could diminish its value for future generations.
In this fourth instalment of the KOWA YA BAR GIDA series, Alfijir News examines the history of Kano’s ancient walls, the importance of their gates, their relationship with trade, and the efforts being made to preserve this important heritage.
THE HISTORY OF KANO’S ANCIENT WALLS
Information published by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre on the Ancient Kano City Walls and Associated Sites links the beginning of the walls’ construction to the reign of Sarki Gijimasu, traditionally dated between 1095 and 1134.
The information also indicates that a major phase of construction was completed around the middle of the 14th century, while further extensions were undertaken in the 16th century.
These accounts suggest that the walls were not built in a single phase. Rather, they developed over different periods as the ancient city of Kano expanded.
The walls formed an important part of the city’s defensive system, while the gates helped regulate movement into and out of the settlement. They also became part of a wider urban system connected to governance, community life and commercial activity.
It is important to recognise that some accounts of Kano’s early history are based on oral traditions and historical narratives recorded in later periods. These traditions should therefore be distinguished from findings established through archaeological and other historical research.
THE CITY GATES: SECURITY AND COMMUNITY INTERACTION
The gates of ancient Kano played an important role in regulating the movement of people and goods, providing controlled entry and exit points around the city.
In this traditional urban system, the walls were more than physical barriers. They formed part of a broader arrangement connecting security, governance, social interaction and economic activity.
As Kano developed into an important commercial centre, routes leading into and out of the city helped connect residents with traders and visitors from other regions for business and other forms of interaction.
THE WALLS AND KANO’S COMMERCIAL HISTORY
Kano has long played a significant role in commercial activities across Northern Nigeria. The ancient city contained markets, craft centres and routes that supported interaction among traders and communities from different locations.
Kurmi Market, one of the best-known historical sites in old Kano, reflects the city’s long tradition of commerce and craftsmanship.
Although Kano’s commercial growth cannot be attributed to the walls alone, the layout of the ancient city, its gates and its trading centres formed parts of the historical environment that supported the city’s development.
Today, preserving the walls and associated heritage sites could contribute to tourism, historical research, education and economic opportunities linked to cultural heritage.
THE CURRENT CONDITION OF THE WALLS
One of the most important issues requiring attention is the actual condition of the remaining sections of Kano’s ancient walls.
A report published by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Information on 2 November 2024 cited an estimate by experts that approximately 20 per cent of the walls remained without major damage.
However, this was an estimate reported in 2024. It should not be presented as the result of a new survey conducted in 2026, nor should it be assumed to represent the walls’ current condition without updated evidence.
A new and comprehensive assessment is needed to establish the present condition of the remaining sections, identify the areas most vulnerable to deterioration and determine the factors contributing to the damage.
It is also important to establish what measures the relevant authorities have taken to protect the walls and prevent further deterioration.
Seeking updated information from heritage authorities and the Kano State Government is therefore essential to understanding the situation beyond previously published estimates.
PRESERVATION EFFORTS
On 13 January 2026, AFIDFF published a report announcing the successful completion of the 2025 UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers campaign in Kano. According to the report, the programme took place from 19 to 25 October 2025 and included public awareness activities and the use of digital approaches to document cultural heritage.
The report mentioned several heritage locations, including the Kano city walls, Dala, Kurmi Market and Kofar Mata.
Such initiatives can help raise awareness of the importance of heritage sites and support the collection of information that may be useful for preservation work.
However, awareness campaigns and documentation should be distinguished from physical restoration and direct protection against deterioration. Each is important, but they do not necessarily produce the same outcomes.
THE STATUS OF KANO’S WALLS ON UNESCO’S LIST
The Ancient Kano City Walls and Associated Sites are included on Nigeria’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
This means that Nigeria has identified and submitted the property as a potential candidate for World Heritage status in the future.
However, inclusion on the Tentative List does not mean that the walls have already been inscribed as an official UNESCO World Heritage property.
Protecting this historic heritage and strengthening its prospects for future recognition will require sustained conservation planning, reliable information about its condition, cooperation among relevant authorities and meaningful participation by surrounding communities.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO PROTECT THE WALLS?
To ensure that Kano’s ancient walls remain an important part of Nigeria’s history, several measures deserve priority:
1. Conduct a comprehensive and updated survey to establish the condition of the remaining sections of the walls.
2. Identify areas facing the greatest risk of deterioration and develop targeted protection plans.
3. Strengthen cooperation among heritage authorities, the Kano State Government, historians, archaeologists, local communities and other stakeholders.
4. Make information available to the public about conservation plans, allocated funding and the work actually carried out.
5. Increase public awareness, particularly among young people, about the importance of protecting historic sites and cultural heritage.
6. Systematically document historical records and photographs to support research, education and future conservation planning.
QUESTIONS THAT STILL NEED ANSWERS
Despite the historical importance of Kano’s ancient walls, several questions require answers from the relevant authorities.
What is the actual condition of the remaining walls today?
Has a new assessment been conducted since the estimate reported in 2024?
What measures have been taken to protect sections facing the risk of deterioration?
What funding and long-term plans have been provided for the preservation of this heritage?
And what strategies are in place to ensure that conservation efforts go beyond awareness campaigns and include practical, sustainable protection?
Alfijir News intends to seek further clarification from the relevant authorities to obtain answers to these questions. Their responses will be presented in a future instalment, allowing the public to better understand the measures being taken and the areas that still require attention.
CONCLUSION
Kano’s ancient walls are more than old structures. They are among the enduring symbols of the city’s history, traditional urban life and development over the centuries.
Preserving them requires more than celebrating the past. It requires research, effective planning, transparency about their present condition and conservation efforts whose results can be assessed.
With appropriate protection, this heritage can continue to educate younger generations, remain a source of pride for the community and provide opportunities for tourism and economic development.
KOWA YA BAR GIDA — Our Culture, History and Heritage Series.
Alfijir News
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REFERENCES
1. UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Ancient Kano City Walls and Associated Sites:
https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5171/
2. Federal Ministry of Information — Kano State Government Vows to Protect Heritage Sites from Destruction:
https://fmino.gov.ng/kano-state-government-vows-to-protect-heritage-sites-from-destruction/
3. AFIDFF — Report on the Completion of the 2025 UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers Campaign in Kano:
https://afidff.org/en/news/afidff/120-afidff-strengthens-cultural-preservation-efforts-with-successful-completion-of-unesco-whv-2025-campaign-in-kano
4. UNESCO — World Heritage Volunteers 2026:
https://whc.unesco.org/en/volunteers2026/