Okada drivers and passengers who are found guilty of operating in areas where it has been prohibited will face a three-year prison sentence, the Lagos State Government has once again warned.
At a press conference, Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde announced the beginning of full enforcement of the ban on okada in the extra four local governments and gave this warning.
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.
“As for the riders, we have also made available existing interventions aimed at empowering citizens as an alternative means of livelihood,” he added.
The commissioner stated that the government’s decision and stance on okada was clear and that it would not budge from this position, which was to further build on the successes made thus far, specifically with regard to a decline in accident and crime rates as well as the restoration of sanity to the communities within the State.
He 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 essential to inform Lagosians that our help lines are still very active as your feedback will further enhance our strategies; as the protection of lives and properties is a collective responsibility of all.
For complaints 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,”
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