KANO’S TRANSPORT FUTURE: ADVOCATES CALL FOR SHIFT TO ELECTRIC AND SOLAR VEHICLES
The conversation on sustainable transport in Kano took center stage last week Monday 15th December,2025 as stakeholders gathered for a half-day subnational engagement on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), soot-free buses, and electric vehicle (EV) policies, organized by the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN). The meeting, held at AHBN Building, No 9 Kura Road, Off Lamido Crescent, Nassarawa GRA, aimed to gather insights on Kano State’s readiness to adapt and implement national transport policies, while reflecting on the roles of state institutions, civil society, media, and transport operators in creating a cleaner, more efficient transport system.
Among the discussants was Tijjani Sarki, a good governance and public policy advocate, who brought both praise and caution to the table.
Acknowledging the federal government’s Presidential Initiative on CNG (PICNG), Sarki highlighted the economic benefits of the program, including reduced fuel costs and job creation. However, he sounded a note of caution about the environmental impact of CNG, stressing that the transition to electric and solar-powered vehicles is inevitable to meet climate goals.
“While CNG has its advantages, we cannot ignore its potential risks to the environment. Kano must start planning now for Electric and Solar-Powered Vehicles to align with global trends,” Sarki emphasized.
His discussion also shone a light on challenges in Kano’s transport infrastructure:
Limited CNG conversion centers and refill stations hinder accessibility.
Many roads are overstressed or below standard, lacking bus stops, terminals, sidewalks, and dedicated lanes for motorcycles and tricycles.
The presence of tricycles on major state roads creates congestion, prompting Sarki to propose restricting them to alternative routes while prioritizing roads like BUK Road, MM Road, IBB Road, Ibrahim Taiwo Road,Katsina,Hadejia and Maiduguri Road for CNG/EV buses.
The need to actualize a functional Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to improve traffic flow and commuter experience.
Sarki also raised concerns about indiscipline and unregulated construction along major roads, calling for stronger enforcement of urban planning regulations. He stressed the need to professionalize KARATO operations and recruit more road traffic officials to maintain safety and order.
The advocate concluded with a strong call for policy advocacy, public sensitization, and proactive planning, urging the government and citizens alike to embrace sustainable transport solutions that will keep Kano on the path of economic growth while protecting the environment.
Kano’s journey toward a modern, green transport system may be challenging, but as Sarki notes, “The future of mobility is electric, solar-powered, and sustainable and the time to act is now.”
Tijjani Sarki
Good Governance Advocate & Public Policy Advocate
