Crime, accident rates have reduced by 86%, 64% after okada ban, says Lagos government

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, yesterday, said that crime and accident rates had reduced by 86 per cent and 63.7 per cent respectively in the state after the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada, in six local councils and nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

Oladeinde, who gave the statistics during a stakeholders’ forum with the theme, “Okada Ban: What Next,” said that about 7,500 motorcycles had been impounded and crushed since the enforcement of the ban.

“Today, we are delighted to report our position on the review of the anti-Okada’s enforcement operation in the last two months. It is important to mention that the operation has recorded significant successes and compliance.

“It is no longer news that there is a rise in the level of insecurity as a result of the rampage of banditry and kidnapping across all states of the federation. The Federal Government, therefore, is presently considering the total ban of motorcycle operations nationwide, as most of these underground activities are being enhanced with the use of motorcycles.”

On his part, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, noted: “At the time Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the government’s decision, there were criticisms from various segments of the state. Those complaints were based largely on sentiments of those who had not witnessed the havoc some of the Okada riders had caused in the areas of health and security.”

“After seeing the results of the ban, many Lagosians have been calling on the government to expand the ban.