Okada: Lagos inches close to total ban, extend restriction to four more councils

Lagos State government, yesterday, inched close to a total ban of commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada, by extending restriction on their operation to four more Local Councils and six Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, who announced this yesterday, said it would be effective from September1.

Oladeinde, who said the new restriction followed a review of the earlier ban on commercial motorcycles operation in six local councils, stressed that the decision was in the best interest of the generality of the residents and for security reasons.

The additional councils where total Okada ban is pronounced include: Kosofe Local Council; Ikosi-Isherri LCDA and Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Oshodi-Isolo Local Council; Isolo LCDA, Shomolu Local Council; Bariga LCDA and Mushin Local Council; Odi-Olowo LCDA.

He said: “After a review of the earlier ban and based on its apparent positive impact, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the ban of Okada in another four councils and six LCDAs for the second phase of the total ban, in addition to the on-going ban in the six councils and their respective LCDAs.

“For the purpose of emphasis, the state government is now banning Okada operations in a bid to further promote the safety and security of life and property in the state.

“This decision is to further consolidate on the achievements made so far with particular reference to decline in accident and crime rate as well as to continue to bring sanity to our communities within the state.

“While the ban is in force, the public are advised to resort to alternative and sustainable means of transportation provided in the state, such as the First and Last Mile Transport Scheme, the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) Scheme, the Lagos e-hailing taxi Scheme (Lagride) and other acceptable mode of transportation to go about their daily activities.

“Furthermore, the state government’s existing interventions aimed at empowering her citizens should equally be accessed as an alternative means of livelihood for the affected riders.”

Oladeinde stated that in view of the foregoing, the state government has directed the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos Command, the Army, Navy, Air force, and other Security and Law enforcement formations within the state to complement the “Anti-Okada Squad” implement and enforce the phase two ban in the state.

Recall that stakeholders in Lagos State on Tuesday called for a total ban on Okada operation to curb security threats posed to residents.

The stakeholders included traditional rulers, religious leaders, and Community Development Associations, among others.