The Lagos state government has extended the ban on the operations of commercial motorcycles to four other local government areas and six local council development areas in the state.
The four Local Government Areas added to the existing ban are Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Shomolu, and Mushin.
OduNews reports that the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced the total ban on the operations of ‘Okada’ in six LGAs, which include Ikeja, Surulere, Eti Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island and Apapa.
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, who announced this on Thursday, said it was after a review of the earlier ban on commercial motorcycles operation in six local councils.
According to him, the state government took the decision in the best interest of the generality of the residents and for security reasons.
The additional councils where total Okada ban is pronounced includes Kosofe Local Government; Ikosi-Isherri LCDA and Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government; Isolo LCDA, Shomolu Local Government; Bariga LCDA and Mushin Local Government; Odi-Olowo LCDA.
The commissioner said after a review of the earlier and based on its apparent positive impact, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the ban of Okada in another four councils and six LCDAs for the second phase of the total ban, in addition to the on-going ban in the six councils and their respective LCDAs.
He added: “For the purpose of emphasis, the state government is now banning Okada operations in a bid to further promote the safety and security of lives and properties in the state.
“This decision is to further consolidate on the achievements made so far with particular reference to decline in Accident and Crime rate as well as to continue to bring sanity to our communities within the state.
“While the ban is in force, the public are advised to resort to alternative and sustainable means of transportation provided in the State such as the First and Last Mile Transport Scheme, the BRT Scheme, the Lagos e-hailing taxi Scheme (Lagride) and other acceptable mode of transportation to go about their daily activities.
“Furthermore, the state government’s existing interventions aimed at empowering her citizens should equally be accessed as an alternative means of livelihood for the affected riders.
Oladeinde stated that in view of the foregoing, the state government has directed the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos Command with all relevant stakeholders’ that included the Army, Navy, Air force, and other Security and Law enforcement formations within the State to be complimented by the “Anti-Okada Squad” that will be deployed to these new locations in a bid to stimulate seamless implementation and enforcement of the phase two ban in the state.
“It is important to inform Lagosians that our help lines are still very active as your feedbacks will further enhance our strategies; as the protection of lives and properties is a collective responsibility of all. For complaint and feedback kindly call any of the following lines:09038208154, 09169655855,09034810153 and 0903309082615,” Oladeinde said.
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