The Role of Commercial Motorcycles in Nigerian Rural Economy: A Study of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The central focus of the study was to ascertain the role commercial motorcycle business can play in the Nigerian rural economy with a particular focus on Guma local government area of Benue state. Data for the study were collected through personal interviews and focus group discussion sessions. The study has noted that most of the commercial motorcycle operators were able-bodied young men who had varying levels of education but who had no off-farm gainful employment. The study has revealed that commercial motorcycle business in the study area has helped in the promotion of agriculture, non agricultural activities and in the alleviation of poverty. The study has however shown that the business has some dangers such as motorcycle –related accidents and death, crime and health risks associated with it. The study has also revealed that the commercial motorcycle business is highly unregulated. The study has therefore recommended that government and even private individual should establish traffic training centres for all classes of traffic operators. The commercial (including non-commercial) motorcycle operators themselves should endeavour to drive with care so as to reduce the rate of accidents associated with the business. Both the state and local governments should regulate the activities of commercial motorcycle and their unions with special emphasis on licensing. Special departments should be created to collect revenue in form of taxes to the state and local government coffers. To combat the criminal excesses of the commercial motorcyclists, the police in collaboration with the various community vigilante groups should regularly mobilize their members to carry out patrols on the roads to eliminate the opportunities that allow the motorcyclists to engage in crime.