Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state, has unveiled plans to install toll gates on seven major highways leading into the Kano metropolis, framing the move as part of a broader strategy to confront prevailing security challenges in Kano State.
The governor’s decision comes amid heightened concerns over criminal activities, including banditry, kidnapping and the influx of suspected criminal elements through unmonitored entry routes into the commercial hub of northern Nigeria.
This is development is coming as security agencies in state in recent months intensified stop-and-search operations across the state, reflecting growing pressure on authorities to tighten surveillance around the ancient city.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by Adamu Abdullahi, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Ministry of Housing Development, and released to journalists in Kano.
According to the statement, the proposed toll gates will be constructed along Daura Road, Katsina Road, Gwarzo Road, Zaria Road, Maiduguri Road, Hadejia Road and Sa’adatu Rimi Road — all strategic corridors linking Kano to neighbouring states and the wider northern region.
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Ibrahim Yakubu Adamu, Commissioner for Housing Development, has formally handed over the seven project sites to contractors, signalling the commencement of construction. He said the facilities would function as structured control points to regulate and document vehicular movement into the metropolis, strengthening the state’s security architecture while also contributing to its socio-economic development.
“The state government resolved to mount toll gates on all major roads leading into Kano metropolis with a view to boosting the security and socio-economic apparatus of Kano State,” the commissioner stated.
He added that beyond revenue generation, the initiative is designed to support intelligence gathering and coordinated monitoring of vehicular inflow, in line with the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Commenting on the development, Marwan Ahmed, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, and Nura Ma’aji, Commissioner for Public Procurement, were among top officials who witnessed the handover ceremony. The event featured the signing of documents between representatives of the Ministry of Housing Development, contractors and the project consultant, marking the formal take-off of the project.
The toll gate initiative signals a shift toward infrastructure-driven security management as the Kano government seeks to balance urban growth with the urgent need to curb emerging threats at the state’s borders.
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