Kano Rege Pottery: A Tradition in Need of Infrastructure Support
Pottery, a time-honored craft deeply woven into Nigerian culture, continues to be a key economic activity in Rege, a town in Wudil Local Government Area of Kano State. Despite its historical and cultural significance, potters in the community face numerous challenges, including limited access to clay excavation sites, lack of a dedicated marketplace, and inadequate financial support.
Located about 35 kilometers from Kano’s capital, Rege is renowned for its distinctive pottery. Travelers along the Maiduguri road are often greeted by roadside displays of incense burners, water pots, vases, and cooking vessels—showcasing the community’s rich craftsmanship. This trade sustains many families, having been passed down through generations.
Sani Abdullahi, the market chairman, highlighted the central role pottery has played in Rege’s economy for decades. “This business has been here since our forefathers’ time. We all grew up with it, so it’s hard to pinpoint when it truly began,” he said. The growing demand for newer designs, especially incense burners and vases used in marriage ceremonies and cultural events, has further bolstered the industry.
More than 300 individuals in Rege rely on pottery for their livelihoods, with others involved in related activities such as trading, decorating, and transporting the wares. For many households, pottery is their primary source of income.
Adamu Musa, a potter, shared how the craft has allowed him to provide for his family. “I inherited this trade from my father. It’s helped me educate my children, one of whom is even attending university,” he said.
Despite the economic potential, securing raw materials remains a significant hurdle. Haruna Saleh, another potter, explained, “The clay we use is sourced from private farmlands, and we are often evicted without warning, which disrupts production.” Some potters purchase clay from distant locations, raising costs and diminishing profits.
Abdulkadir Usman, a vase decorator, noted the shifting market preferences. “People now prefer painted and customized designs. We’ve moved beyond traditional styles to meet modern tastes,” he said. However, limited access to quality dyes and paints hinders their ability to meet customer demands.
Ibrahim Adamu, with over 30 years of experience, urged the government to intervene. “We need a dedicated excavation site. The government must recognize our contributions and allocate permanent land for clay sourcing,” he said.
Salisu Bello stressed the importance of passing the craft to younger generations. “Our pottery is recognized nationwide, but we need infrastructure and policies to help sustain it. A training center for young potters would be instrumental in preserving this tradition,” he said.
Frequent evictions from clay sites have disrupted production, forcing some artisans to pursue alternative livelihoods. Abdullahi, the market chairman, reiterated the need for a permanent excavation site. “We urge the Kano State government to allocate land for clay sourcing to ensure stability in our business,” he said.
He also called for a more organized marketplace. “Rege has the potential to become a major tourist attraction if the government invests in a pottery hub. A dedicated market would provide a conducive environment for trade and attract local and international tourists,” he said. He proposed the creation of exhibition spaces, training centers, and designated stalls for potters.
Local pottery dealer Salisu Hassan agreed. “Selling by the roadside exposes us to harsh weather and limits our ability to stock large quantities. A proper market would allow us to expand and serve more customers,” he said.
Tourists who visit Rege also recognize the need for investment. Suleiman Garba, a visitor from Yobe State, observed, “I wanted to buy many items for export, but the lack of a proper pottery market makes logistics difficult.”
Transportation issues also plague potters, with fragile items often breaking during long journeys. Traders face financial losses, and some resort to makeshift packaging. Government assistance could help improve packaging solutions.
