Inside Kano’s night transportation dilemma

By Uzair Adam On May 16, 2026

Kano, night ,transportation,tricycle, — Inside Kano’s night transportation dilemma

For decades, residents of Kano relied on a mix of taxis, buses and motorcycles, popularly known as achaba, to move across the city.

But a series of government policies over the years has significantly reshaped the transport system, leaving many commuters grappling with limited options—especially at night.

The shift began during the administration of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau (2003–2011), when tricycles, known locally as Adaidaita Sahu, were introduced as an alternative means of transportation.

At the time, motorcycle operators were restricted from carrying female passengers as part of broader safety and social measures.

A more decisive change came under Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during his second tenure (2011–2015), when motorcycles were banned across Kano metropolis.

The decision was largely driven by security concerns, particularly the use of motorcycles by members of Boko Haram to carry out attacks and evade security checks.

With the ban in place, Adaidaita Sahu quickly became the dominant mode of transport, gradually sidelining other options.

However, under the administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (2015–2023), new restrictions were introduced, including a ban on tricycle operations after 10:00 p.m.

Authorities said the move was aimed at curbing rising criminal activities such as phone snatching, thuggery and tricycle theft.

Today, the impact of these policies is most visible at night. From as early as 9:00 p.m., many tricycle riders begin limiting their trips, often taking only passengers heading toward their own neighbourhoods to avoid arrest.

This has made cross-city movement increasingly difficult, particularly for those without private vehicles.

For Malam Ibrahim Abdulhamid, a resident who experienced the challenge firsthand, the situation became evident when he arrived in Kano in the early hours after a journey disrupted by a vehicle breakdown.

He said that the lack of transport options at the time left him stranded and confused. “I was shocked. The roads were empty and everywhere was quiet. I didn’t expect Kano to be like that at that hour.

“I had to call someone to come and pick me,” he said, adding that the experience was both unexpected and frustrating.

Khadija Sani, who regularly moves within the city to visit family, said returning to her husband’s home late at night has become increasingly difficult due to limited transport and rising fares.

She explained that the situation often forces her to adjust her movement to avoid being stranded.

“Once it is past 9:00 p.m., I start worrying. If I don’t leave early, I know I will either pay double or struggle to get a ride,” she said, noting that the uncertainty has made late movement stressful.

Muhammad Sani, who entered Kano from Kaduna late at night, recounted a frightening experience after arriving the city past midnight with no available transport.

He said the situation forced him and others to trek home under unsafe conditions.

“We had no choice but to walk. The streets were dark, and stray dogs kept barking and chasing us. It was a frightening experience,” he stated.

He further described the journey as risky and exhausting.

In another instance, Ramlat Adam, who faced a medical emergency at night, described how the absence of tricycles affected her during labour, forcing her to rely on unsafe alternatives.

She said the situation highlighted the dangers of the transport gap during emergencies.

“There was no tricycle. I had to be taken on a motorcycle, with another woman holding me from behind despite the pain,” she said, recalling the distressing experience.

Residents say fares at night often surge significantly, depending on urgency and distance, as the few available riders take advantage of high demand.

For strangers or returnees unfamiliar with the city, the situation can be even more difficult, often requiring them to rely on acquaintances for pickup.

Authorities have also moved against informal alternatives. Some individuals attempted to operate motorcycles at night under the guise of private use, but this has since been detected and banned.

Although ride-hailing services such as Bolt operate in Kano, many residents say they are insufficient, not widely known, or inaccessible to those unfamiliar with digital platforms.

As concerns grow, residents and stakeholders say there is an urgent need for practical solutions that balance security with mobility.

Suggestions include introducing regulated night-time transport systems, deploying security-monitored tricycle routes, expanding awareness and access to ride-hailing services, and establishing government-supported night shuttle services.

For many, the issue is no longer just about safety, but about ensuring that a growing city like Kano has a transport system that works for everyone—at all hours.