Lagos State Government reaffirms ban on commercial motorcycles ‘Okada’ in restricted areas 

LASG reaffirms ban on commercial motorcycles in restricted areas

The Lagos state government reiterated that a ban on commercial motorcycles, commonly known as ‘okadas’, is still in effect in 10 Local Government Areas (LGA) and 15 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) in the metropolis.

Transportation Governor Special Advisor Sola Giwa made the statement over the weekend during a tour of several restricted areas in the state where large numbers of motorcyclists (Okada riders) have resumed driving.

Reaffirming the state government’s okada ban in local government areas, including Kosofe, Oshodi Isolo, Somol, Muxin, Apapa, Ikeja, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Surulere, Etiosa, and the underlying Local Government Development Area. Ojodu, Onibombo, Lagos Island East, Yaba and Coker Agda. with others in; Itire-Ikate, Eti-Osa West, Iru Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Ejigbo, Bariga, Odi-Olowo Transport Special Advisor for drivers and passengers urged both to keep their distance.

He implored the general public to comply as both the riders and passengers are liable to 3 years in prison if apprehended and prosecuted, with their motorcycles impounded and crushed in the public view, in line with the provision of Section 46, sub-section 1, 2 & 3 of the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL), 2018.

While soliciting support on government policies by all and sundry, the Special Adviser noted that despite the available existing interventions and viable alternatives provided for okada operators which were expected to cushion the effect of the ban on their livelihood, the recalcitrant riders have refused to take advantage of them.

Highlighting some of the viable alternatives made available for the operators by the State Government, Giwa stated that the; Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA); (vocational training), Ministry of Wealth Creations and Employment; (internship programs), Office of Civic Engagement, Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) (Loan for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs), Lagos Economic Acceleration Programme “LEAP”) and the Ministry of Agriculture (Agric YES) are all trade support for the riders.

He also said the State Government’s First and Last Mile Bus Transport Scheme, the BRT Scheme, the Lagos e-hailing taxi Scheme (LAGRIDE), and other sustainable modes of transportation were also part of interventions provided to minimize the inconveniences of the motoring public in executing their daily activities.

Giwa averred that the position of the government on okada is very clear, stressing that there is no going back in order to consolidate on the achievements made so far in the decrease in accident and crime rates as well as the return of sanity to the communities within the State.

He said security organizations that have worked with state governments, including the Nigerian Police, Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), are still on the ground to maintain enforcement at all prohibited passages. I added that I was in the anti-Okada forces. 

Signed;

Hon. Sola Giwa,
Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Lagos State.
27th March, 2023.

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