The Lagos State government has urged residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear as the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, takes effect in six Local Government Areas of Lagos state, Southwest Nigeria.
Following the killing of a sound engineer by Okada riders in Lekki, the state government banned the operation of Okada in six local governments and nine local council development areas under them.
Ikeja, Surulere, Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and Apapa are among the affected LGAs.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu explained that the new okada ban followed the February 2020 restriction on commercial motorcycle activities.
He stated that the government made the decision in accordance with the State’s Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 to address the chaos and threat created by Okada operators in the listed areas as soon as possible.
However, social media has been flooded with reports of a planned protest by some riders.
However, the Commissioner of Information, Gbenga Omotoso, assured Lagosians that there is no need for concern about the implementation of the ban, which he said had been hailed by the majority of Lagosians as a reinforcement of the Lagos Traffic Law 2012. (amended in 2018).
Omotoso urged all law-abiding Lagosians and visitors to the state to go about their business without fear, assuring them that measures had been put in place to prevent any disruption.
“Lagosians and visitors are urged to co-operate with the law enforcement agencies in our collective interest.” He added.
Abiodun Alabi, the State Commissioner of Police, recently threatened to deal ruthlessly with anyone or group of people who wanted to protest the state’s ban on commercial motorcycle operations.