KANO/ Stubborn Commercial Motorcyclists

Almost four weeks after the deadline given commercial motorcycle operators nationwide to compulsorily provide safety helmets for themseves and their passengers, there is a seeming near zero compliance with the law in Kano. This is despite the fact that the state has one of the highest incidence of motorcycle accidents in the country.

 

Unlike other states where the major problem is the refusal of passengers to wear helmet, citing health reasons, most motorcycle–locally called Achaba–operators in Kano, treat it as anathema. Some, however, claim that the product is not available in the market while others complain of its high cost.

But Yusuf Garba, Kano Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, sees things differently. According to him, most of the motorcycle operators in the state had purchased the helmet before 1 January, but refused to use it.

“I tell you that we have over two million motorcycles operating in Kano. You also find out that on a daily basis, motorcycles are brought in from other states to operate in Kano. You are also aware of the volatile nature of the state. Kano is a city where people foment trouble easily. For this reason, we have mapped out a strategy for subtle enforcement. When we arrest offenders, they will complain that helmet is not sold in the market. Then what we do is to impound their motorcycles and give them time to buy the helmet. And I tell you that this is paying off because they will always buy it, produce their receipts and pay a fine of N2,000 before their motorcycles are released to them,” Garba explained.

He added: “You are aware that the use of helmet was introduced to curb accidents. Our record shows that over 90 per cent of motorcycle accidents affect the head. Thousands of people have become victims of brain disorder as a result of this. The safety of the citizens is our concern; and we have been telling them that the use of helmet is for their own good. When we make arrest, we also take time to explain to the offenders the reasons why they should be using the helmet.”

When Across Nigeria visited the Lawan Danbazau Road Headquarters of the commission, over 300 impounded motorcycles were parked within the premises. Offenders were also seen clearing their motorbikes with brand new helmets and receipts after paying a fine of N2000. The FRSC boss revealed that they make about 400 arrests daily. Garba put the current level of compliance at 30 per cent and gave the commission’s target as 50 per cent by the first week of February.

 

 

 

– Report By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh.

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