The Lagos State Taskforce has embarked on a public advocacy and sensitisation exercise for commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, over the increasing incidents of traffic violations and illegal operations on restricted routes across the state.
The exercise, led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, was carried out in Ikorodu and its environs following growing concerns from members of the public and safety and security stakeholders over the activities of some recalcitrant commercial motorcycle operators.
The sensitisation programme focused on members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), particularly branches operating within Ikorodu, Ogolonto and Majidun areas.
The Taskforce said the engagement was aimed at educating transport union members on the need to strictly comply with laws, rules and regulations governing commercial motorcycle operations in Lagos State.
According to the Agency, the exercise was conducted in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, which specifies the routes and areas where commercial motorcycles are permitted to operate.
Speaking during the engagement, Akerele noted that the Agency had previously reduced enforcement activities in the area due to what he described as a relatively high level of compliance by commercial motorcycle operators.
However, he said recent observations revealed a resurgence of Okada operations on highways, walkways and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors, where their operations are prohibited.
The Taskforce Chairman said the Agency considered it necessary to engage transport union leaders and their members through dialogue, advocacy and sensitisation to prevent further violations and ensure sustained compliance with existing laws.
At the end of the engagement, the transport unions agreed to collaborate with the Agency to ensure that their members operate strictly within the confines of the law.
Among the resolutions reached was the commitment by the unions to support the Taskforce in ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, particularly regarding restricted routes.
The unions also agreed to establish internal taskforces comprising their members to monitor and oversee commercial motorcycle operations within Ikorodu, Ogolonto and Majidun, with the aim of ensuring compliance with agreed operational guidelines.
The Taskforce, however, reiterated that while advocacy and sensitisation would continue, enforcement would not be compromised.
It warned that any commercial motorcycle operator found plying prohibited highways, bridges, BRT corridors or other restricted routes would be arrested, while the motorcycle would be impounded in accordance with the law.
The Agency commended the cooperation of the transport unions and other stakeholders and urged commercial motorcycle operators to take advantage of the sensitisation exercise by immediately complying with applicable laws and regulations.
The Lagos State Taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a balanced approach involving advocacy, public education and enforcement to ensure order, safety and sanity on roads across the state.
By Gbadeyan Abdulraheem
Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce
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