The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday approved extension of the ban on commercial motorcycles popularly called okada to four additional local councils and five local council development areas.
The additional LGAs are Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Shomolu, and Mushin.
The affected LCDAs are Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Ejigbo, Bariga and Odi-Olowo.
The ban takes effect from September 1.
The commissioner for transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, said at a press briefing in Ikeja that the extension was approved after a review of the earlier ban on commercial motorcycle operations in six local government areas.
“The governor has approved the ban of Okada in another four LGAs and six LCDAs for the second phase of the total ban in addition to the ongoing ban in the six LGAs,” the commissioner said.
He further said the state government took the decision in the best interest of the generality of the residents and for security reasons.
Oladeinde added that after a review of the earlier ban and based on its apparent positive impact, Sanwo-Olu approved the ban on okada operations in another four councils and six LCDAs for the second phase of the total ban, in addition to the ongoing 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 lives and properties 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,” the commissioner said.
While the ban is in force, the commissioner advised the public to resort to alternative and sustainable means of transportation provided in the state.
They include the first and last mile transport scheme, the bus rapid transit (BRT) scheme, the Lagos e-hailing taxi scheme (Lagride) and other acceptable modes 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.
“These interventions are coordinated by the following MDAs: ministry of women affairs and poverty alleviation (WAPA); (vocational training) ministry of wealth creations and employment; (internship programmes) 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”); ministry of agriculture (Agric YES); ministry of education (CodeLagos Scheme) and many others,” he added.
Meanwhile, Oladeinde said the state government had directed the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos Command with all relevant stakeholders including the army, navy, air force, and other security and law enforcement formations within the state to be complimented by the “Anti-Okada Squad” that will be deployed to the new locations in a bid to stimulate seamless implementation and enforcement of the phase two ban in the state.
“It is important to inform Lagosians that our help lines are still very active as your feedbacks will further enhance our strategies; as the protection of lives and properties is a collective responsibility of all,” Oladeinde said.
