The Lagos State Taskforce has warned commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, against violating traffic regulations by operating on prohibited highways, walkways, bridges and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors across the state.
The warning was issued during an advocacy and public sensitisation exercise organised by the Agency in Ikorodu and its environs, following growing concerns over increasing cases of lawlessness, impunity and disregard for traffic regulations by some commercial motorcycle operators.
The exercise, led by the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, focused on members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), particularly the MOALS branches operating in Ikorodu, Ogolonto and Majidun.
The Agency said the engagement was aimed at educating transport unions and their members on the need to comply strictly with the laws and regulations governing commercial motorcycle operations in Lagos State.
It said the exercise was conducted in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, which specifies the routes and areas where commercial motorcycles are permitted to operate.
Speaking at the forum, Akerele said the Taskforce had recently reduced enforcement activities in the area because of the relatively high level of compliance among commercial motorcycle operators.
He, however, said recent observations had shown a resurgence of Okada operations on prohibited routes.
According to him, “recent observations indicate a resurgence of Okada operations on highways, walkways and BRT corridors, routes where their operations are prohibited.”
The chairman said the Agency considered it necessary to engage the leadership of the transport unions and their members through dialogue, advocacy and sensitisation to prevent further violations and ensure sustained compliance with the law.
At the end of the engagement, the transport unions agreed to collaborate with the Taskforce to ensure that their members operate strictly within the confines of the law.
Under the agreement, the unions pledged to support the Agency in ensuring compliance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, particularly regarding restricted routes.
The union leadership also agreed to establish an internal taskforce comprising its members to monitor commercial motorcycle operations within the Ikorodu, Ogolonto and Majidun areas.
The internal taskforce is expected to oversee the activities of Okada operators and ensure compliance with the agreed operational guidelines.
The Lagos State Taskforce further reiterated that advocacy and sensitisation would continue to complement enforcement activities.
It warned, however, that any commercial motorcycle operator found plying prohibited highways, bridges, BRT corridors or other restricted routes would be arrested and the motorcycle impounded in accordance with the law.
The Agency appreciated the cooperation of the transport unions and other stakeholders, urging commercial motorcycle operators to take advantage of the sensitisation exercise and immediately comply with applicable laws.
It said it remained committed to maintaining a balance between advocacy, public education and enforcement in its efforts to promote order, safety and sanity on roads across Lagos State.
The statement was signed by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce.
