Motorcyclists in Niger State go about their business oblivious of the directive on compulsory use of crash helmet by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

Checks by our correspondent revealed that the state association of Okada riders has demanded for more time to acquire the helmets. According to our source, the union went to the FRSC command to plead for three weeks extension of time.

According to the association, their members complain of lack of funds to purchase crash helmet which goes for N3000 to N4000 each for themselves and their passenger, and that they are not in anyway trying to disregard the order.

The source also said the state government has already promised to buy helmets in bulk for them at subsidized rates.

Confirming this position was a senior staff of the ministry of transport and infrastructural development. He told Daily Trust under a plea of anonymity that the state government has concluded plans to subsidize prices of helmets for Okada riders.