Lagos State Government bans commercial motorcycles

The Lagos state government's ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, will not apply to delivery/logistics riders and power bikes, says police.

Lagos State Police Commissioner Abiodun Alabi said Thursday that residents who operate motorcycles for courier services or other private businesses will not be affected by the okada ban announced by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday.

The state government said Wednesday it has banned commercial motorcyclists from riding in six local government areas in the state. He said no commercial motorcyclists would be allowed to operate in any part of Ikeja, Surulere, Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island and Apapa local councils from June 1.

"This is the phased ban that we will begin to let others know that they will soon either have to get out or look for something else," Sanwo-Olu said at a meeting with police area commanders and DPOS at Lagos House, Ikeja .

The police commissioner explained during an interview with Channels Television that the Okada ban “does not affect couriers, but the couriers will not carry passengers. We need to make sure they are couriers and not pretending to be one.”

Alabi noted that "the other officers who are Okada owners must be uniformed personnel going to their various workplaces."

"Those who own power bikes are not affected as it is not intended for commercial use," Alabi said.

The latest ban is not the first time the government has announced such a restriction - there has been a lack of enforcement in the listed local government areas.

However, Alabi maintained that the enforcement of the ban will be more thorough this time.

The police commissioner acknowledged that banning okadas could increase crime rates but said the force is prepared for such eventualities.

Source