Gov Aliyu distributes tricycles, motorcycles to boost transportation, job creation

Governor Ahmed Aliyu has officially launched the distribution of 500 tricycles and 1,000 motorcycles to the 23 local government areas in Sokoto State. The initiative, financed by the state government, aims to create job opportunities and improve intra-city transportation, particularly in metropolitan areas.

During the flag-off ceremony, Governor Aliyu highlighted the rapid urbanization and emergence of new settlements in Sokoto, which have increased the demand for accessible transportation. He noted that the scarcity of tricycles and motorcycles in metropolitan areas has posed significant challenges, especially for women.

The governor revealed that the government made a substantial investment to procure the vehicles and will sell them at subsidized rates to ensure affordability for beneficiaries. He urged recipients to adhere strictly to the terms of the distribution program, warning against selling the subsidized vehicles at giveaway prices.

“The era when public resources are taken for granted is over. This administration will not tolerate misuse of these assets, which were procured with taxpayers’ money,” the governor, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, stated.

Ambassador Sahabi Isah Gada, Chairman of the Vehicle Distribution Committee, provided details on the subsidized pricing. He disclosed that each tricycle would be sold for ₦1,000,000, significantly lower than the market price of ₦3.6 million, while motorcycles would be offered at ₦300,000, compared to the market price of ₦1.5 million.

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Beneficiaries are required to make an initial deposit of ₦150,000 for tricycles and ₦50,000 for motorcycles. Additionally, monthly remittances of ₦15,000 and ₦10,000, respectively, will be required to complete the payment.

Ambassador Gada expressed concern over the abuse of previous welfare programs, such as the subsidized rice initiative. He assured attendees that legal frameworks and stricter monitoring measures had been implemented to prevent similar issues in this program.

In his goodwill message, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar commended the state government’s foresight in addressing the transportation and employment challenges facing residents. Represented by Magajin Rafin Sokoto, Alhaji Rilwanu Bello, the Sultan urged beneficiaries to use the vehicles responsibly.

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Social Welfare, Hajiya Assabe Balarabe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Sokoto State residents.

This program underscores the administration’s focus on fostering economic empowerment and addressing the transportation needs of its growing population.

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