Lagos State Government has maintained that both the riders and passengers who are caught violating ban on commercial motorcycles in some part of the state are liable to three years imprisonment.
Commissioner for transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde who made this known to the Press at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, on Wednesday, reaffirmed Government decision to put an end to okada operations as means of commuting, to ensure safety of lives and property of residents.
According to him, “We implore the general public to comply as both the riders and passengers are both liable to three years imprisonment if caught, while such bike will be confiscated and crushed in public”.
Responding to a question on the possibility of an option of fine for convicted riders and passengers, Oladeinde said the decision would be at the discretion of the court of law.
Recall that Lagos State Government extended the ban to four additional Local Governments which are Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Shomolu and Mushin as enforcement commences today September 1, 2022, affected LCDAs are Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Ejigbo, Bariga and Odi-Olowo.
Oladeinde, also reaffirmed that State Government has made available alternatives which will cushion effects of the ban on passengers and commercial motorcyclists.
“As a responsive government, we are not leaving the affected passengers who patronise these okadas stranded without any viable means of transportation”.
He encouraged riders to take advantage of various empowerment programmes offered by government agencies such as Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA); Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment; Office of Civic Engagement; Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Commissioner explained that agencies are providing internships, vocational skills training, loans for Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises, and Agricultural youth empowerment programmes.
Emphasising that the First and Last Mile Bus Transport Scheme, the BRT Scheme, the Lagos e-hailing taxi Scheme (LAGRIDE) and other sustainable modes of transportation created to enhance easy transportation.
He maintained that the enforcement of the ban would be consolidated and there will be no compromise.
Earlier in his remarks, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, revealed that some okada riders are forming Cooperatives to access the First and Last Ride buses that the State has made available as alternatives.
He urged the riders to move away from the fixed mindset of seeing okada as the only means of livelihood.
Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, stated that the Committee on Okada ban had met with the union of motorcycle riders, asking for a list of all the riders in the affected areas, so that they can access the alternative provisions put in place.
He noted that accidents and crime rates perpetrated by Okada are beginning to drop with the ban in place.
On a separate issue raised on traffic disruptions due to road construction, Giwa admonished residents to exercise patience on construction corridors and warned commercial drivers to desist from driving on kerbs and against traffic.
He said Lagos State Traffic Management Authority personnel have been deployed to ensure the free flow of traffic, especially in areas where constructions are ongoing.
Affirming the readiness of the Police to enforce the ban, the representative of Lagos Commissioner of Police, CSP Elizabeth Opadunni, assured Lagosians of the preparedness of the force to enforce the ban.
Delivering his closing remarks, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Kamar Olowoshago expressed appreciation to Governor for providing the required support to make the ban effective, adding that Sanwo-Olu is passionate about whatever will bring succour to Lagos residents.