Kano Sets Stage for Smart Urban Mobility, Signs MoU With Local Firm
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO- Kano State Government, during the weekend took a decisive step toward smart urban mobility with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AS and AJ Multi Services Company Limited for the deployment of a technology-driven transport management system across the state.
The agreement, which covers the design, deployment, operation, and management of the Kano Smart Transport Solution System, is aimed at modernising transportation, improving traffic regulation, and strengthening public safety through digital innovation.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony on Saturday, the Commissioner for Transport, Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, said the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to transforming its transport sector in line with global best practices.
According to him, the system introduces mandatory vehicle tracking for all vehicle owners in Kano as a critical component of the smart mobility framework.
“Every vehicle owner must obtain a tracker and install it on their vehicle. This will ensure that both the vehicle and its owner can be monitored, enhancing security across Kano,” Dederi said.
He explained that real-time monitoring of vehicle movements would provide security agencies with reliable data to tackle criminal activities, including banditry, while also supporting more effective traffic management.
The Commissioner noted that the project forms part of the government’s broader strategy to integrate technology into transportation and public services, describing the initiative as one that “encompasses every aspect of life.”
“The contract for the provision of tracking devices was approved by the Kano State Executive Council on December 19, 2025, following a resolution aimed at promoting peace and safety in the state,” he added.
The MoU signing was witnessed by top government legal officers, including the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude, SAN, and the Solicitor General, Salisu Tahir, who provided legal oversight for the agreement.
With the initiative, Kano is positioning itself as a leader in smart mobility solutions in Northern Nigeria, with the potential to serve as a reference point for other states seeking to integrate technology into urban transport and security systems.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of AS and AJ Multi Services Company Limited, Alhaji Abdulmalik Abdullahi, outlined key components of the Kano Smart Transport Solution System, including the introduction of a digital platform known as “Sufuri Transport,” designed to regulate and secure tricycle (Keke Napep) operations across the state.
“Stickers will be issued to KAROTA officials to verify both vehicles and drivers. Each driver will be linked to a registered Keke Napep and its owner through a tracker and sticker system,” Abdullahi explained.
He said the system will ensure that every Keke Napep driver is digitally registered and linked to a specific vehicle and owner, thereby promoting accountability and transparency in the sector. Verification stickers issued through the Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) will help identify legitimate operators on the road.
Abdullahi added that commuters will benefit from the “Sufuri Transport” platform through features that allow passengers to locate nearby Keke Napep, book rides in real time, and make payments using mobile numbers, cards, or cash, in support of the state’s drive toward a cashless economy.
He further noted that the tracking devices would be accessible to all citizens and would form a key part of the state’s evolving security architecture.
“This initiative is not just about transport; it’s about safety, transparency, and modernization. It’s one of the measures being implemented to curb insecurity and improve the daily lives of Kano residents,” he said.
According to Abdullahi, the Kano Smart Transport Solution System is expected to deter criminal activities through real-time vehicle tracking, improve traffic regulation and enforcement, and enhance commuter confidence through verified and traceable transport services.
“With the combined efforts of the Ministry of Transport, KAROTA, and AS and AJ Multi Services, Kano is poised to become a model for smart urban mobility in Nigeria,” he added.