The Kano State Government has launched a Smart Transport Solution aimed at strengthening security and improving operational efficiency across the state’s transport sector through the deployment of modern tracking technology.

The programme was officially flagged off on Saturday at the Afficient Event Centre, with top government officials, transport unions, private sector partners and security agencies in attendance.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Transport, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, described the initiative as a globally tested system that enables real-time monitoring of transport activities using cameras and satellite-based tracking tools.

“This is a system which is new in Kano, but not new in the world and not new in major cities,” Dederi said. “Everybody will be monitoring what is happening.”

He explained that the technology would capture movements of vehicles and commuters entering the state through designated points, with data transmitted to relevant authorities for monitoring and rapid response.

According to him, security agencies, the Ministry of Transportation and the Cabinet Office will have access to dedicated dashboards for coordinated oversight.

Dederi said the initiative was driven by the need to sustain security in Kano amid increasing migration into the state due to its relative peace and economic opportunities. He stressed that adopting technology is essential to maintaining safety.

“While Kano remains one of the most peaceful states in northern Nigeria, we must move with the times. That is why we have to employ technological innovation to ensure absolute security,” he said, commending security agencies for their cooperation.

He noted that the first phase of the project will cover all commercial vehicles, including tricycles, taxis, buses, trailers and tankers, with plans to later extend coverage to private vehicles.

“For the start, we are focusing on all commercial vehicles. Eventually, it will come down to everyone,” he added.

The commissioner said the project aligns with the state’s transport policy, which provides a legal framework for public-private partnerships and encourages investment in road and rail infrastructure.

Also speaking, Head of Operations at As&Aj Company, the technical partner for the project, Dr Aminu Umar Maigari, said the firm is responsible for deploying and managing the tracking technology and software platform powering the system.

He said the solution was introduced to address transport-related security challenges and safeguard commuters and their property, while also improving transparency and accountability in transport operations.

Maigari explained that the application for accessing the system is free to download and use, with operators only required to complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) process and install a tracking device.

“The good thing about it is that it’s free. You don’t need to pay anything to download and use the application,” he said.

He added that the combined cost of the KYC process and tracker is ₦28,000, with a 10 per cent government subsidy available for the first one million subscribers.

According to him, the launch event was designed to create awareness among transport unions and local government stakeholders, while full deployment is scheduled to commence on Monday.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Vehicle Owners and Transporters of Nigeria (VOTOR), Comrade Nazifi Gidan Kudi, praised the initiative as timely, noting that it would help curb unsafe practices among commercial drivers and riders and enhance security across Kano State. (Nigerian Tribune)