Lagos Extends Ban on Okada to 4 LGs, 6 LCDAs

The Lagos State government has extended the ban on the operation of commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada to four Local Government Areas and six Local Council Development Areas in the state.

The extension of the ban was the second phase and it becomes effective on September 1.

Speaking at a press conference to intimate the general public yesterday, Commissioner for Transport Frederic, listed the LGs as Kosofe, Oshodi, Somolu, and Mushin, while the affected LCDA’s were: Ikosi-Isheri; Agboyi-Ketu; Oshodi-Isolo; Ejigbo; Bariga and Odi-Olowo.

The first phase of the ban, which became effective June 1, covered six local government areas and nine LCDAs under them (Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Apapa, Eti-Osa and Ikeja.).

Oladeinde noted that the success of the first phase, especially with the reduction in crime (86 per cent) and accidents (63.7 per cent), informed the decision to continue with the ban to sustain the achievement. He added that 75,000 motorcycles were also impounded and crushed during the period under review.
“Based on the apparent positive impact of the ban and the resolution of the Stakeholders’ Forum, Mr Governor has approved the ban of Okada in another four local government areas and their six LCDAs for the second phase of the total ban, in addition to the ongoing ban in the first six councils and their respective LCDAs.

“The ban is to further promote the safety and security of lives and property in the state. This decision is to further consolidate on the achievements made so far, with particular reference to the decline in accidents and crime, as well as to continue to bring sanity to our communities.

“While the ban is in force, the public are advised to resort to alternative and sustainable means of transportation provided, such as the First and Last Mile Transport Scheme, the BRT Scheme, the Lagos e-hailing taxi Scheme (Lagride), and other acceptable modes of transportation to go about their daily activities.

“The 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 (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.

“The government has also deployed the police and other relevant security agencies, to be complimented by the ‘anti-okada Squad’, to stimulate seamless implementation and enforcement of the phase two ban,” Oladeinde said.

The commissioner listed 09038208154, 09169655855, 09034810153 and 09033090826 as dedicated phone lines for complaints and feedback.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso reiterated that the ban of Okada on major highways and bridges was still intact, and warned that impounded motorcycles will be crushed, with the rider and passengers prosecuted according to the law.