Lagos extended the ban to Kosofe, Ikosi-Isheri, Oshodi-Isolo, Mushin and the respective LCDAs in the areas
By Emma Ogbuehi
Lagos State Govenor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved a total ban on the activities of commercial motorcyclists, popularly, called Okada riders, in additional four local government areas and respective Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, of the state, commencing from September 1.
This is in line with efforts at managing the security situation in the state. The councils affected in the latest ban include: Kosofe, Ikosi-Isheri, Oshodi-Isolo, Mushin, including the respective LCDAs in the areas
Recall that in May 18, following several complaints over the growing menace and nuisance constituted by Okada riders, Governor Sanwo-Olu imposed a ban on Okada and Tricycle (Keke) operations in in six local governments and nine LCDAs to curtail the unruly activities of the riders. The order took effect from February 1.
Besides, the Government also banned Okada and tricycles from plying 40 bridges and flyovers across the State.
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Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who made the announcement at the State House in Alausa, said the measures were taken by the Government in response to “scary figures” of fatal accidents recorded from operations of Okada and tricycles in the State between 2016 and 2019.
Omotoso said the lack of regard for the Lagos Traffic Laws by the Okada and tricycle riders had resulted in preventable loss of lives, adding that their impermissible movements on restricted highways had also contributed to traffic jams.
He said: “After a robust assessment of the debate on what has been widely referred to as the motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (Keke) menace, the Lagos State Government and the State Security Council have decided that the security and safety of lives of Lagosians are paramount.
“The figures are scary. From 2016 to 2019, there were over 10,000 accidents recorded at the General Hospitals alone. This number excludes unreported cases and those recorded by other hospitals. The total number of deaths from reported cases is over 600 as at date.
“Also, the rate of crimes aided by Okada and Keke keeps rising. They are also used as getaway means by criminals. Therefore, after consultations with stakeholders, the State Security Council, in compliance with the extant Transport Sector Reform Law 2018, has decided to commence enforcement of the law which bans the operation of Okada and Keke in six Local Government Areas and nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).”
Omotoso said the enforcement would be total, warning that the Government would deal with violators in accordance with the Laws. He added that there would be zero tolerance for the movement of the banned vehicles on the listed highways and bridges.
He listed the LGAs and LCDAs affected as: Apapa LGA, Apapa Iganmu LCDA, Lagos Mainland LGA, Yaba LCDA, Surulere LGA, Itire-Ikate LCDA, and Coker-Aguda LCDA.
Others were Ikeja LGA, Onigbongbo, LCDA, Ojodu LCDA, Eti-Osa LGA, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, and Iru-Victoria Island LCDA, Lagos Island LGA and Lagos Island East LCDA.
The latest ban was announced by state Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Fredric Oladeinde, and his counterpart in Information and Strategy, Omotoso, at an inter-ministerial media briefing on Thursday.
