The Lagos State Government has reissued a warning that okada riders and passengers found operating in banned locations will be jailed for three years on conviction.
Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, the Commissioner for Transportation, issued this warning at a news conference to announce the total enforcement of the ban in four additional local governments.
The new local governments include Kosofe, with two LCDAs-Ikosi Isheri and Agboyi-Ketu; Oshodi-Isolo with two LCDAs-Isolo and Ejigbo; Shomolu with one LCDA-Bariga and Mushin with one LCDA-Odi-Olowo.
The total ban on okada in these LGs begins September 1, 2022.
According to Oladeinde, this was in the right direction to ensure security of lives and properties.
He said, “As a responsive government, we are not leaving the affected passengers who patronise these okadas stranded without any viable means of transportation, that is why we have made available alternative and sustainable means of transportation such as the First and Last Mile Bus Transport Scheme, the BRT Scheme, the Lagos e-hailing taxi Scheme (LAGRIDE) and other acceptable modes of transportation to go about their daily activities.
He further said, “We implore the general public to comply as both the rider and passenger are both liable to 3 years in prison if prosecuted, while their motorcycles will be impounded and crushed in the public view, in line with the provision of Section 46, sub-section 1, 2 & 3 of the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL), 2018.
“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. For complaint and feedback kindly call any of the following lines: 09038208154, 09169655855, 09034810153 and 09033090826.
“Once again, the State Government in addition to the existing ban is now set to effect a total ban on Okada activities in Four (4) new LGs and their LCDAs, effective from 1st September, 2022.
“We implore the general public to join hands together with the state government by complying with the decision of the government geared towards combating the monster that okada operation has created, so that sanity can return to our State,” Oladeinde concluded.
