Transport: Lagos Okada riders ignore restriction order

DESPITE the expiration of a-21day ultimatum and commencement of enforcement on restriction of commercial motorcyclists, popularly called “okada” from 475 roads, including bridges in Lagos State, operators have remained adamant by carrying out their activities unabated.

File: A Policeman seizing a motorcycle from the owner, in Lagos.

It will be recalled that in June, amid concerns over the resurgence of Okada, Lagos State Government in its efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property of residents ordered riders to stay off all the restricted roads including bridges and highways.

The 2010 Lagos Road Traffic Law (Schedule II), restricts the operations of motorcycle as well as Regulation 16 Sub – sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Law.

Section 3 Sub-section I of the Law stipulates that, “No person shall ride, drive or propel a cart, wheel barrow, motorcycle or tricycle on any of the routes specified in Schedule II However, men of the State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences unit following the expiration impounded over 75 Okada.

Confirming the commencement of the enforcement, Chairman of the Taskforce, Akeem Adedeji, said that his men began to implement the state government’s order, “to restore sanity back to the roads.” But checks by Vanguard as at yesterday, showed that operators still carry out their activities without fear of arrest by taskforce or the police who are saddled with the enforcement order.

Riding againsttraffic
Most of the areas where their activities were noticed include: Ikeja, Lagos Abeokuta Express Road, Oshodi, Isolo, Apapa, Agege, Shomolu/ Bariga, Ifako Ijaiye/ Ojokoro, Ikorodu, Mushin, Ketu, Ojota, Ojodu and Ikotun, Ejigbo road. Along Lagos Abeokuta Expressway, okada carry out their normal activities with reckless abandon by riding against the traffic, otherwise known as “One-Way drive”.

It was gathered that in many instances where offenders were apprehended, they were later let off the hook after some certain amount of money, ranging from N2, 000 to N5, 000, per okada must have been collected by taskforce and the police. At press time, there was no record of any offender that had been convicted for violation of the restriction law that could serve as deterrent. Meanwhile, the resurgence has led to the increase in okada related accidents on the road.

Vanguard