Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has officially launched the distribution of 500 tricycles and 1,000 motorcycles to the 23 local government areas in the state.
This initiative, funded by the state government, is designed to create job opportunities and enhance intra-city transportation, particularly in the metropolitan areas.
At the flag-off ceremony, Governor Aliyu emphasized the rapid urbanization and expansion of new settlements in Sokoto, which has significantly increased the demand for accessible transportation options. He noted that the scarcity of tricycles and motorcycles, particularly in metropolitan areas, has presented substantial challenges, particularly for women.
Affordable Transportation for Residents
The governor revealed that the state government made a significant investment to procure the vehicles, which will be sold at subsidized rates to ensure affordability for recipients. He urged beneficiaries to follow the terms of the distribution program, warning that any attempt to sell the subsidized vehicles at inflated prices would not be tolerated.
“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,” said the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir.
Subsidized Pricing and Payment Plans
Ambassador Sahabi Isah Gada, Chairman of the Vehicle Distribution Committee, outlined the pricing details for the vehicles. Each tricycle will be sold for ₦1,000,000, significantly lower than the market price of ₦3.6 million, while motorcycles will be priced at ₦300,000, compared to the market price of ₦1.5 million.
Beneficiaries are required to make an initial deposit of ₦150,000 for tricycles and ₦50,000 for motorcycles. Monthly payments of ₦15,000 for tricycles and ₦10,000 for motorcycles will be required to complete the payment.
Ambassador Gada also addressed concerns over previous welfare programs, such as the subsidized rice initiative, assuring the public that legal frameworks and stricter monitoring measures have been implemented to prevent abuses of this distribution program.
Support from Traditional and Government Leaders
Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, in a goodwill message delivered by Magajin Rafin Sokoto, Alhaji Rilwanu Bello, praised the government for addressing the transportation and employment challenges facing Sokoto residents. The Sultan urged beneficiaries to use the vehicles responsibly to ensure the success of the program.
Hajiya Assabe Balarabe, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Social Welfare, also reiterated the government’s commitment to initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Sokoto’s residents.
A Step Toward Economic Empowerment
This vehicle distribution program highlights the administration’s focus on promoting economic empowerment and meeting the growing transportation needs of Sokoto’s expanding population.
