By Wole Mosadomi

Minna—Niger State government has banned the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes in Minna the state capital with effect from March, 2013.

In its place, government has officially launched 1000 tricycles and 14 mass Transit Buses to replace the outlawed motorcycles.

State governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, who launched the new vehicles in Minna, yesterday, said government’s decision should not be seen as punitive but a bold step to save lives on the roads.

The governor said: “We are tired of losing precious lives in avoidable road crashes involving motorcycles in different parts of the state. The decision should not be misunderstood as a punitive measure to deny people their means of livelihood but rather as a necessary step aimed at ensuring the safety of lives on our roads.”

Each of the tricycle was subsidized from N624,700 to N400,000 re-payable in 18 months from date of allocation just as the governor called on the beneficiaries to ensure prompt payment and observe road signs.

Aliyu said the government intervention will serve as a springboard for upgrading the living condition of both the operators and commuters as well as alleviating some of the difficulties encountered especially at critical periods.

He said besides reducing youth unemployment and poverty in the state and also improving the socio-economic lives of the people, the programme would also address some of the security challenges in the state.

The state Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, said two of the 43 seater buses would be deployed to Bida, Suleja, Kontagora and New Bussa routes to ease their transportation problems.