Dr Ruqayyah Hamidu Muhammad
A Timely Intervention Amid Growing Urban Challenges
The Kano State Government’s recent unveiling of a comprehensive Transport Policy is timely and commendable.
With rapid urban growth, rising population, and increasing road congestion, this bold initiative could mark a turning point in how transportation is managed across the state. Yet, for this policy to succeed, it must be implemented with transparency, accountability, and firm resolve, especially in reforming the Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) and regulating Adaidaita Sahu tricycle operations.
Road Chaos: More than Just Traffic Lights
Kano’s roads have become chaotic due to the growing number of vehicles and poor enforcement, inadequate infrastructure, and unregulated commercial transport activities.
While the installation of traffic lights at major intersections is a welcome technological upgrade, infrastructure alone cannot solve the systemic issues that undermine road safety and public order.
KAROTA: Urgent Need for Institutional Reform
Originally established to promote road safety and regulate traffic, KAROTA has largely failed in its mandate. Instead, the agency’s personnel are frequently linked to harassment, extortion, and misconduct.
Incidents of manhandling drivers, issuing fines without receipts, begging motorists for money, and accepting bribes from overloaded vehicles have become common.
This institutional breakdown has transformed KAROTA’s image from a regulatory body to a predatory force on the roads; a perception that must change if the new policy is to succeed.
Adaidaita Sahu: Bringing Order to the Streets
Once a practical urban transport innovation, Adaidaita Sahu tricycles have descended into disorder.
Many operators are rude, lack formal training and knowledge of traffic regulations, and operate without fixed routes or designated stops. This behavior contributes to traffic jams and accidents, as tricycles weave unpredictably and stop arbitrarily to pick up passengers.
The policy addresses these issues by proposing driver training, route regulation, and the establishment of official bus stops to restore order and improve safety.
A Vision for Integrated and Sustainable Transport
The new policy also aims to improve access to transport for all Kano residents by integrating multiple transport modes, including road, rail, water, and air.
It focuses on aligning urban planning with transport infrastructure to reduce congestion and promote environmental sustainability.
Additionally, it calls for the professionalization and digitalization of traffic enforcement agencies, including KAROTA, to reduce corruption and improve service delivery.
Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement
To ensure the policy meets real-world needs, the government plans a two-day stakeholder consultation. This engagement will bring together transport operators, civil society, experts, and government agencies to review and refine the draft policy.
Beyond Policy: Changing Culture and Behavior
While the new traffic lights and policy are critical, real success depends on changing the culture of road use in Kano.
A professional, transparent KAROTA and a regulated, well-trained commercial transport sector are key to achieving a safe, efficient, and world-class transport system.
A Call to Action for All Kano Residents
The safety of Kano’s roads concerns everyone. Reform is no longer optional; it is an urgent necessity.
Only through collective effort, from government to drivers to everyday commuters, can we build a traffic culture grounded in respect for the law, human life, and mutual responsibility.
