The Lagos State Government is set to reinforce the ban on commercial motorcycles in six local governments and nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The Government has therefore inaugurated an Anti-Okada Squad, which will join the Police to enforce the ban in all parts of the six local governments and on all highways, major roads, and bridges in the state. The ban is in line with the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL), 2018.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, said the Special Anti-Okada Squad will be reporting to the Police.
While urging the citizenry to collaborate with the State Government to combat the Okada menace, the Commissioner stressed that it is the responsibility of the public to report any nefarious activities of the squad to the Ministry of Transportation or through the following help/complaint lines: 09038208154, 09034810153, 09033090826 and 09169655855. Such reports will help the government generate feedback on strategies for the protection of lives and property.
Warning that individuals arrested (i.e. riders and passengers) will be made to face the full wrath of the law in line with the provision of Section 46, sub-section 1, 2 & 3 of the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL), 2018, the Commissioner reiterated that motorcycles impounded will be crushed in the public glare.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Kamar Olowoshago, also urged the Anti-Okada personnel to be diligent and honest in the discharge of their duties.
Also at the inauguration was the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Fatai Akinderu, who later presented the completion of training certificates to the squad.
