Transportation is the lifeblood of Kano’s economy. As a historic commercial hub and one of Nigeria’s most populous states, Kano relies heavily on road transport to move people, goods, and opportunities. From traders heading to Kurmi and Dawanau markets to students, artisans, and workers navigating the city daily, mobility shapes livelihoods. Yet this dependence has come at a steep cost—rising air pollution, traffic congestion, high fuel prices, and a transport system that increasingly strains both the environment and the ordinary citizen.
Today, Kano’s roads are dominated by aging petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles. These vehicles are major contributors to air pollution, worsening respiratory illnesses and other health challenges, especially among women, children, and those who spend long hours on the streets. At the same time, fluctuating fuel prices have made transportation increasingly unaffordable, pushing up the cost of food, services, and basic living. For low-income households, transport has become an everyday struggle rather than a means of opportunity.
This is why sustainable transport matters for Kano. It is not just an environmental issue; it is an economic and social imperative. A cleaner, more efficient transport system can reduce health risks, lower commuting costs, and improve productivity across the state. More importantly, it offers Kano a chance to prepare for the future rather than remain trapped in outdated systems that no longer serve its growing population.
Clean energy options such as electric mobility and compressed natural gas present practical solutions. Electric buses, tricycles, and government fleets are particularly suitable for urban routes, while CNG offers a cleaner and cheaper alternative for commercial vehicles. When combined with solar-powered charging and refueling infrastructure, these options can significantly reduce emissions and dependence on petrol while cutting operating costs for transport operators.
However, this transition will not happen on its own. It requires deliberate, people-centered policies. Kano State needs a clear and comprehensive transport framework that prioritizes clean energy, efficient mass transit, and smart urban planning. Incentives such as reduced taxes and registration fees for clean-energy vehicles, alongside access to soft loans for small-scale operators, can accelerate adoption. Strategic public-private partnerships are also essential to invest in charging stations, CNG facilities, and reliable bus systems that can ease congestion and improve daily mobility.
Sustainable transport also represents a major opportunity for job creation. From vehicle assembly and maintenance to energy services and infrastructure management, a clean transport transition can open new pathways for employment—particularly for young people. Women, too, must be intentionally included not only as users of transport but as decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers within the sector.
Kano stands at a crossroads. We can continue on the current path of rising pollution, high costs, and inefficient mobility, or we can choose a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future. Sustainable transport offers a pathway to improved public health, economic stability, and climate resilience.
Zainab is the Executive Director of YOSPIS and wrote from Kano, Nigeria
