FIC Report (Lagos State) – The ban on commercial motor-cycles popularly known as ‘Okada’ in Lagos State has drawn diverse opinions amidst the cacophony of voices, both for and against the ban of this particular mode of transport in the commercial heart of the nation, the Lagos State government has reiterated that there is no rescinding the decision, therefore the ban remains effective.
However, the Lagos State Government has explained that it is not a blanket ban; rather it is a ban on some selected major roads. Security and safety were said to be the major reason for the ban
On the issue of the hardship being experienced by commuters, the Lagos State Government has promised a roll-out of more commercial buses, enhanced motorway transportation all in the bid to rid the state of the menace of ‘okada’.
Meanwhile, feelers around the State shows a high percentage of support for the ban and the reasons range from logical to aesthetics and those against the ban have ease of movement in the grounding traffic jam of Lagos and means of livelihood as their point of contention.
Notwithstanding the opinions for and against, the Lagos State government made it clear that the ban on the use of commercial motor-cycles on the affected highways of the state stays and anyone flouting this ban will be persecuted and brought to justice.
From Juliet I. Meghoma
Principal Information Officer
Fic Lagos
