Ekiti unveils security plan, okada registration to be enforced

Ekiti State Government, on Thursday, launched the Personal Identification Number (PIN) and reflective jackets for commercial motorcycle operators (Okada riders) as part of ongoing efforts to enhance security and regulate their operations in the state.

Recall that due to alleged criminal activities perpetrated by some individuals believed to be motorcycle operators in Ekiti State, the State Executive Council, in October 2024, sent a bill seeking to regulate their activities to the House of Assembly for passage into law.

The proposed law aims to regulate the operations of commercial motorcycle operators in the state by mandating data capturing of all private and commercial motorcycle operators. It also provides for the mandatory branding of all commercial motorcycles in the state with colors and designs prescribed by the state government.

However, speaking during the launch of the identification and reflective jackets, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kehinde Ajobiewe, said that the PIN, which is visibly displayed on the reflective jackets of registered riders, serves as a crucial database for the state government.

According to him, the initiative is designed to monitor and track the activities of Okada riders and tricycle operators, ensuring accountability and reducing criminal activities associated with unregistered operators.

Ajobiewe stated that the government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, and the introduction of the PIN system will help identify genuine operators while discouraging the use of motorcycles for criminal activities. He urged all Okada riders and tricycle operators in the state to comply with the directive and ensure proper registration to avoid sanctions.

The commissioner further assured the heads of various security agencies present at the occasion that the Ministry of Transportation would work closely with them to enforce compliance and maintain order within the sector.

He said, “The government approved this initiative so that residents of the state can be safer. We have put this measure in place to curb insecurity. The reflective jacket is not for show; it is for proper identification, to know who is who.”

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The commissioner declared that any rider who failed to register and obtain the jacket would face the wrath of the law.

In his response, the Chairman of the Commercial Motorcycle Riders, Kunle Asaolu, described the initiative as long overdue due to the level of criminality committed by some unidentified persons using motorcycles in the state.

He promised to sensitise members of the association on the need for compliance and also assist in enforcement.