Inside KAROTA: Workers Allege Declining Standards as Governor Faces Questions Over Agency’s Direction
KANO, Nigeria — August 4, 2026
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent decision to personally supervise motorists’ compliance with traffic regulations at Kofar Fanfo Junction, alongside his pledge to restructure and reposition the Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA), has sparked fresh debate over the agency’s direction. While the Governor vowed to strengthen traffic enforcement, several KAROTA employees alleged that the agency’s current challenges stem from what they described as the politicisation of its leadership and a departure from the professional principles upon which it was founded.
The workers, who spoke anonymously, claimed that KAROTA’s decline began after the present administration departed from its traditional merit-based leadership structure. They alleged that despite recommendations that Abdulmumin Babani, a founding Director of Operations and experienced Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO), should head the agency, the government instead appointed Hon. Engr. Faisal Mahmud Kabir as Managing Director. They also criticised the subsequent appointment of Hon. Auwal Lawan Aramposu as Deputy Managing Director, arguing that it further entrenched political appointments.
One senior employee alleged that conflicting directives from senior officials have weakened discipline and operational efficiency. According to the worker, employees often receive contradictory instructions from the Managing Director, the Deputy Managing Director and other top officials, creating confusion and divisions within the agency.
The workers also complained about worsening staff welfare, alleging that officers have gone nearly three years without new uniforms and that operational allowances and welfare packages have either been reduced or discontinued. They argued that poor motivation has affected officers’ commitment to duty and reduced the agency’s visibility on major roads across the state.
According to another employee, restructuring KAROTA alone will not solve its problems. The worker maintained that the agency requires adequate government funding, new patrol vehicles, improved logistics and sustainable staff welfare, particularly hazard allowances, because officers routinely face risks while carrying out their law enforcement duties.
A Kano resident, Muazzam Sani, also questioned what he described as the politicisation of KAROTA, arguing that leadership positions should be occupied by qualified professionals rather than political appointees. He said restoring professionalism is essential to rebuilding public confidence and improving the agency’s effectiveness.
Efforts to obtain official reactions were unsuccessful. Calls and text messages sent to the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, and KAROTA’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Ibrahim Sharada, were not responded to as of the time the report was filed.