The Kano State Government has launched a Smart Transport Solution aimed at improving road safety, monitoring public transport operations and strengthening security across the state.

The initiative, unveiled on Saturday, is a partnership between the state Ministry of Transport and AS&J Company. Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Transport, Haruna Dederi, described the system as a major technological step for Kano’s transport sector.

 

Dederi said the technology, which is already in use in major cities globally, allows authorities to monitor vehicle movements in real time, similar to satellite-based tracking systems. According to him, the solution will initially focus on commercial vehicles, including tricycles, taxis, buses, trailers and tankers.

He explained that the monitoring dashboards will be accessible to key government and security agencies, including the Police, the Ministry of Transport and the Cabinet Office, to ensure coordinated oversight and faster response to security and safety concerns. While the first phase targets commercial operators, he noted that the system is expected to eventually extend to private vehicles.

 

The commissioner said the adoption of technology is necessary as Kano continues to attract large volumes of people and economic activity, stressing that modern security and transport management systems are essential to protecting lives and property.

Dederi also highlighted the importance of private sector participation under the state’s new transport policy, noting that public-private partnerships in road and rail infrastructure would thrive better under a clear and predictable legal framework.

On the technical side, the Head of Operations at AS&J, Aminu Maigari, said the tracking application would be free to download, while registration and know-your-customer requirements would cost ₦28,000. He added that the state government is providing a 10 percent subsidy for the first one million subscribers.

 

Maigari said the system is designed to improve transparency, enhance monitoring of vehicles and property, and create a more efficient transport environment across Kano.

The rollout will be implemented in phases, with full deployment scheduled to begin on Monday. Awareness and sensitisation sessions have already been held with transport unions and local government transport operators to ensure smooth adoption.

 

For transport operators and small businesses that rely on mobility, the government said the initiative is expected to reduce risks, improve operational efficiency and build confidence in Kano’s transport and security framework.