Aduragbemi Omiyale
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Lagos State government has stressed that the decision to ban the use of commercial motorcycles, otherwise known as Okada, on highways was to protect residents of the metropolis.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Frederic Oladeinde, while addressing journalists in Ikeja, said Okada operations were becoming a menace and that as a responsible government, it was necessary to take an action.
On Thursday, September 1, 2022, the state government extended the ban on Okada to Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Shomolu and Mushin Local Government Areas and Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Ejigbo, Bariga and Odi-Olowo local council development areas (LCDAs).
The Commissioner said the state government has made available alternatives that will cushion the effects of the ban on passengers and commercial motorcyclists, warning that violators of the ban would be prosecuted, both the riders and the passengers, and could be sentenced to three years imprisonment if convicted.
“As a responsive government, we are not leaving the affected passengers who patronise these okadas stranded without any viable means of transportation,” he said, encouraging the riders to take advantage of the various empowerment programmes offered by government agencies such as the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA); Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment; Office of Civic Engagement; Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the Ministry of Agriculture.
He explained that the agencies provide internships, vocational skills training, loans for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Agricultural youth empowerment programmes.
Emphasising that the First and Last Mile Bus Transport Scheme, the BRT Scheme, the Lagos e-hailing taxi Scheme (LAGRIDE) and other sustainable modes of transportation were created to enhance easy transportation, Mr Oladeinde maintained that the enforcement of the ban would be consolidated and there will be no compromise.
“We implore the general public to comply as both the riders and passengers are liable to three years imprisonment if caught, and that bike will be confiscated and crushed in public,” he stated.
Responding to a question on the possibility of an option of fine for convicted riders and passengers, Mr Oladeinde said the decision would be at the discretion of the court of law.
