The Lagos State Government assured residents not to panic as the enforcement of Okada ban in six local councils becomes effective today.
Commissioner for information and strategy, Gbenga Omotoso said law enforcement agencies went on a roadshow today to assure the public that the ban will be enforced without compromise.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on May 18 announced the ban, after a meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers.
The local governments affected are: Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Apapa, Eti-Osa and Ikeja.
Omotoso said the public anxiety over the implementation was unnecessary.
“There is no need for any anxiety over the enforcement of the ban, which has been hailed by the majority of Lagosians as a reinforcement of the Lagos Traffic Law 2012 (amended in 2018)”, Omotoso said.
“The Government wishes to advise all law-abiding citizens to go about their businesses without any fear whatsoever as measures have been put in place to forestall any disturbance.
“Lagosians and visitors are urged to co-operate with the law enforcement agencies in our collective interest”.
The Lagos government views the activities of Okada as dangerous to road users.
The state’s Police Commissioner Abiodun Alabi, has described most Okada riders as criminals who must be taken off the road.
Omotosho, speaking to Channels Television, also noted that recent increases in accident rates have prompted the government to act again.
“Our doctors are complaining that more persons are coming in with okada emergency,” he said.
“About 45 percent of accidents in the first quarter were caused by okada. And most of the victims are between the ages of 30 to 39.”
