By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
November 15, 2024
In a bid to create more job opportunities and address youth unemployment, the Sokoto State Government has purchased 1,000 motorcycles and 500 tricycles, which will be sold to residents at subsidized rates.
Abubakar Bawa, speaking on behalf of the government, stated that this initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration to reduce youth restiveness and promote economic empowerment. The motorcycles and tricycles will be sold to eligible buyers after an initial deposit, with monthly payments to cover the remaining cost.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu explained that the purchase of the 1,000 motorcycles and 500 tricycles aims to meet the growing transportation demands in Sokoto city, which has seen rapid expansion since his administration began. He highlighted that this initiative will complement the recently deployed Toyota Camry cars and buses, which provide affordable transportation services within Sokoto metropolitan areas.
“This initiative is designed to ease the burden of transportation costs, especially in the wake of the oil subsidy removal, rising living costs, and increasing fuel prices,” the governor said.
The motorcycles, which cost the state government ₦1,275,200 each, will be sold to buyers for ₦300,000. The tricycles are categorized into two types: 250 fuel-powered and 250 electric-powered. The fuel-powered tricycles, which cost the state ₦3,600,000 each, will be sold for ₦1,000,000, while the electric-powered tricycles, which cost ₦5,800,000 each, will be sold for ₦1,500,000.
Beneficiaries of both the motorcycles and tricycles must make an initial deposit and adhere to a monthly payment plan until the total cost is paid off. To ensure transparency and fairness, the state government has established a committee tasked with overseeing the sales process. The committee will ensure that the allocation of motorcycles and tricycles is conducted in accordance with established procedures, and that beneficiaries do not sell the vehicles before completing their payments.
The committee has already begun meeting to finalize strategies for the implementation of the program.
Additionally, the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration has been actively involved in skills acquisition initiatives, training hundreds of youths in various trades through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Welfare, as well as the Department of Community Development under the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Beneficiaries, including women and youths, have learned skills such as pomade making, weaving, sewing, plumbing, electrical work, and vulcanizing. Each participant was provided with certificates of participation, work tools, and financial assistance to help start their own businesses.
