Achaba, also known as Okada in some regions, refers to motorcycle taxis that transport passengers within urban areas for negotiated fares. Unfortunately, despite being a source of income for many unemployed Nigerian youths, including university graduates and skilled individuals, Achaba is not recognized as formal employment anywhere in the world. In essence, all Achaba riders are economically unemployed. Given the opportunity, most would readily switch to formal employment in either the public or private sectors.
Presently, Kano State boasts the highest number of Achaba riders in Nigeria, largely due to government initiatives aimed at combating unemployment by distributing thousands of motorcycles and tricycles. However, this has led to a surge in accidents, with hospital emergency rooms overflowing with injured riders who lack adequate support from the authorities who provided them with these vehicles.
Despite the convenience they offer, many commuters opt for taxis or mass transit over Achabas due to safety concerns and environmental impacts. Kano has become a hub for Achabas banned in other cities, contributing to increased crime and environmental degradation. Concerns about lung cancer from carbon emissions underscore the urgency of controlling these pollutants, which threaten the region’s future with potential environmental disasters like acid rain and exacerbate global warming.
Addressing this issue requires a multidisciplinary approach involving economic, safety, and health experts. Economically, efforts should focus on transitioning Achaba riders to more sustainable employment opportunities. Safety measures, including helmet mandates for both riders and passengers, must be rigorously enforced. Health experts should devise strategies to mitigate the health impacts of carbon emissions on the population and environment.
Unlike Abuja, which has taken steps to mitigate environmental impacts, Kano continues to struggle with these challenges. The government’s current practice of distributing motorcycles freely exacerbates these issues rather than solving them. Instead, a proactive approach is needed, including prohibiting the free distribution of motorcycles by state and local officials and redirecting resources towards comprehensive skills training and sustainable employment programs.
Ultimately, the goal should be to phase out motorcycles in urban areas, replacing them with cleaner, safer mass transit options. By investing in infrastructure and creating job opportunities aligned with local needs and environmental sustainability, Kano can improve living standards and urban cleanliness for its residents.
It is imperative that the federal government enact policies preventing the arbitrary distribution of motorcycles and tricycles by local officials and instead promote comprehensive youth employment strategies across various sectors. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring sustainable development and a healthier, safer environment for all citizens of Kano and beyond.