Commercial Motorcycle Activity, Value Creation and the Environment in the Developing World: The Case of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study used a combination of survey techniques to examine the implications of the activity of commercial cyclists, popularly known as ‘Achaba’ (Hausa: motorized rickshaw) in Nasarawa state for the local economy, community and environment. The findings of the study show that apart from being a money spinner, this public transport mode has been making other modest contribution to the state’s economy. The study also shows that this transport is a latent contributor to environmental degradation in the state for it might have degraded the environment in excess of $6.98 million between 2006 and 2008. In addition, it is becoming a major source of road traffic morbidity and mortality. As policy measures, the study advocates for effective regulation of commercial motorcycle business in the state, imposition of appropriate environmental tax on users and operators and marshalling out a new transport policy with the aim of providing cheaper, efficient and environment-friendly urban mass transit.