June 05, (THEWILL) – An environmental scientist, Umar Saleh Anka, has proposed an ambitious policy to transform the Kano State transportation sector.
Tagged: “Sustainable Transport in Kano: A Greener Future,” the draft aims to transform the state’s transport system, placing a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability.
Anka presented the policy in a paper he delivered on Wednesday, at the ongoing Kano State Public Transport Police Dialogue held at the Afficent Event Centre, Kano.
Anka, who is the Director, Environment and Climate Change, Kano State Watershed, Erosion and Climate Change Management Agency (KN-WECCMA), said: “From enhancing pollution control to promoting non-motorised transport, this policy proposal aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the transport sector and pave the way for a greener, more livable Kano.”
He said through the policy, substantial investments would be made in developing dedicated walking paths, bicycle lanes and safe crossing facilities throughout the state.
This, he said, would encourage residents to choose environmentally friendly modes of transportation for short trips, improving both sustainability and public health.
To support the growing number of electric vehicles, the policy also called for the development of a comprehensive network of charging stations across the state.
This, the draft said, would ensure that eco-friendly mobility options are accessible and convenient for all residents of the area.
In his welcome address, the Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Muhammad Diggol, said transportation remains critical and backbone of economic growth as well as an important element of the security architecture of any state.
Diggol said a robust policy would provide a framework for the development of the state’s transport sub-sector of the economy.
“Accordingly, it has become imperative for the Ministry to provide a working framework anchored by an acceptable policy. This will help the government in actualising its vision and mission of providing an efficient, affordable, safe, reliable and effective transport system in the state,” the Commissioner added.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
