Nigeria’s Lagos State government has announced a ban on the activities of commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada, and tricycles also referred to as Keke Napep.
The ban will affect the activities of these bikes in some Local Government Areas, bridges, and highways in the state, according to local news outlets.
A directive has now been given to security operatives to embark on total enforcement of the ban in six Local Government Areas, nine Local Council Development Areas and 10 major highways across the State with effect from February 1.
Nigeria’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso said on Monday that the latest measures are in response to “scary figures” of fatal accidents from operations of Okada and tricycles in the State.
Omotoso said “From 2016 to 2019, there were over 10,000 accidents recorded at the General Hospitals alone. This number excludes unreported cases and those recorded by other hospitals. The total number of deaths from reported cases is over 600 as of date.
“Also, the rate of crimes aided by Okada and Keke keeps rising. They are also used as getaway means by criminals.
Therefore, after consultations with stakeholders, the State Security Council, in compliance with the extant Transport Sector Reform Law 2018, has decided to commence enforcement of the law which bans the operation of Okada and Keke in six Local Government Areas and nine Local Council Development Areas.”
He added that “After a robust assessment of the debate on what has been widely referred to as the motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (Keke) menace, the Lagos State Government and the State Security Council have decided that the security and safety of lives of Lagosians are paramount.”
Motorbikes and Tricycles have become popular means of transportation in Lagos due to the heavy vehicular congestion on major roads.
Motorists often patronize these bikes to get around the heavy traffic on daily basis.
Source: Africafeeds.com
