Lagos state government has directed a total ban on Okada activities across the highways and bridges within six local government and their local council development areas, effective from June 1, 2022.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated the decision was made after a critical review of earlier restriction of February 1, 2020, on Okada activities in the first six local government areas, stating that the restrictions had not abated the menace.
He said current total ban will be in phased, but is expected to take place within the shortest time.
The affected councils are Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, and Apapa. The total ban order also extends to all LCDAs under these councils.
Sanwo-Olu said notice have been made to all commercial motorcycles plying the routes in the listed councils and areas, and they are expected to vacate the highways before enforce begins.
He stated the police are to enforce the order without compromise, noting that the state government would not condone any security formation that relaxes the new ban in its jurisdiction.
The governor urged residents patronising Okada riders on highways to embrace alternative transportation schemes already provided by his administration to plan their journey.
"We have provided Last Mile buses in the affected areas; they are working and effective. We also have medium-capacity buses and high-capacity buses working in these areas. Before the end of the year, we are also bringing the rail along these corridors with their terminals. We have provided jetties as well to provide alternatives," he said.
Sanwo-Olu maintained that the ban is permanent, as his government would not allow criminals use the mode of transportation to perpetuate crimes and criminality around the state.
"We will not sit back and watch criminally-minded people use a mode of transportation to perpetrate crimes and criminality in Lagos. Lives are being lost on a daily basis, preventable accidents are happening every day and the riders are not respecting any of our traffic laws.
"The situation has led to a complete breakdown of law and order. This ban has come to stay and we will not tolerate any weakness in enforcement," he said.
Source: www.clintonsdaily.com
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