Gbenga Omotoso, the commissioner for information and strategy in Lagos State, has stated that the state is considering a complete ban on commercial motorcycle operation, commonly referred to as Okada.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Omotoso said that residents’ calls for a total ban on okada operations would be investigated by the state government.
According to him, the decision was made at a stakeholders forum that met to discuss the recent ban on commercial motorcycles in six local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
On June 1, Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu implemented a ban on okada operations in six local government areas.
Ikeja, Surulere, Eti Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and Apapa are all Local Government Areas (LGAs) hit by the prohibition.
Omotoso said the state would examine the current ban in light of the forum’s decisions and make any necessary adjustments.
With the success of the ban in the six LGAs, “many Lagosians have been calling on the government to expand the ban,” he said.
Given the current state of security concerns, some argue that it should be implemented on a statewide scale. In order to figure out what to do next, Mr. Governor has called for this meeting.
Using available data, Lagos commissioner for transportation Frederic Oladeinde claims the state’s ban on okada operations has led to a decrease in crime and accident rates.
According to Oladeinde, “7,500 motorcycles were impounded and crushed in the affected areas during the period under review,” resulting in a decrease in crime (86%) and accident rates (63.7%).
In his opening remarks, he explained that the purpose of the stakeholders’ forum was “to reignite the state’s commitment to tackling insecurity, crime, non-compliance to safety rules and traffic regulations, and underground activities perpetuated by non-state actors with the use of okada.”
Oladeinde also stated that the state government would take into account the feedback received at the forum.