Commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada riders as well as passengers are at the risk of a three-year jail term as the enforcement of phase 2 of the okada ban begins today.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in August declared a total ban in another four local government areas and six local council development areas. They are Kosofe (Ikosi-Isheri and Agboyi-Ketu LCDA); Mushin (Odi-Olowo LCDA); Oshodi (Oshodi-Isolo and Egigbo LCDA), and Shomolu (Bariga LCDA).
Commissioner for Transport Frederic Oladeinde, at a news conference on Wednesday, said that 200 officials of the Lagos Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have been deployed to join other security agencies to enforce the ban in the councils. He added that defaulters will also be prosecuted and either fined or jailed.
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He said: “The extension of ban to four more local governments and LCDA’s, we believe, is in the right direction to ensure security of lives and property. As a responsive government, we are not leaving the affected passengers 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.
“The decision and position of government on okada is very clear, and we are not compromising on this decision, which is to further consolidate on the achievements made so far with particular reference to the decrease in accidents and crime.”
On his part, Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, also said that the riders could approach the government as a cooperative to get the first and last mile buse.