The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a televised interview on Sunday disclosed that the ban of commercial motorcycles (aka “Okada”) in six local government areas of the state is already producing obvious results.
Driving the news
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is seeking reelection in the forthcoming elections, listed the results of the ban on commercial motorcycles in the six local government areas as a reduction in crime rates and a drop in accidents. He added that casualties in these local government areas have gone from about 550 okada-related accidents per month to about 100 per month.
Quick catch-up
The Lagos state government, in conjunction with the Lagos state police command, banned commercial motorcycles in six local governments and nine local council development areas of the state. The Sanwo-Olu administration reinstated the ban following the outrage that ensued from the killing of a young man named David by alleged commercial motorcyclists.
- The six local government areas affected by the ban include Ikeja, Surulere, Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and Apapa.
Why it matters
The Lagos State government reinstated the ban on commercial motorcycles to curb the violence allegedly perpetuated by these riders. Although several regimes of government in the state have imposed bans on commercial motorcycles also called “Okada”, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration to ensure his government upholds the ban.
What you should know
A new directive by the Lagos state government has ordered security agencies in the state to arrest and prosecute passengers and riders who have continued to operate in the banned areas. The offenders would face a penalty of either a three months jail term or a N50,000 fine, or both depending on the court’s ruling.
The federal government of Nigeria recently disclosed the possibility of a nationwide ban on motorcycles to fight the rising concerns of insecurity around the country.
As a result, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) issued a statement ordering all 37 Sector Commanders in the country to impound any motorcycle with an unregistered National Vehicle Identification Scheme.
What to watch
If the ban on commercial motorcycles in Lagos, Nigeria’s biggest commercial city, continues to yield obvious results, both the state and federal governments might adopt the policy to fight the worsening security crisis in the country.