Why okada operates on inner roads despite ban

Despite the ban by the state government, motorcycles and tricycles are still seen operating in some parts of the state, slowly becoming a major means of transportation, as several commuters rely on them to beat the recurring traffic jams on road.

Speaking on an X (formerly Twitter) space event, titled “Okada, Traffic Light, Speed Limit: Why Is Law Enforcement Tough in Lagos?” Sola Giwa, special adviser to the Governor on transportation, said that Lagos does not recognise them as a mode of public transport.

Giwa noted that economic realities and last-mile access gaps led to a partial ban, restricting Okadas from highways, bridges, and specific local governments rather than a total prohibition.

“Our transport policy is about mass movement of people, not commercial motorcycles. The original plan was a total ban, but we had to review it based on economic realities and last-mile access gaps.

“There are still areas where first-mile and last-mile buses have not reached, and that informed the decision for a partial ban,” he said.

Read also: Transport fare spikes in Delta as government bans ‘Okada’

Giwa also said that enforcement of the ban is complicated by riders disguising themselves as security personnel, riding against traffic to evade arrest, and operating violently in groups.

“Some deliberately ride against traffic so that it becomes dangerous and difficult to arrest them. We have also seen situations where they operate in groups and become violent, which creates serious safety risks for both officers and the public,” he said.

Giwa further said that they are planning a major inter-agency meeting involving police and the military to close loopholes, particularly the misuse of exemptions granted to security personnel.

On tricycles (Keke/Maruwa), he pointed out growing violations, fake plate numbers, and weak traceability among operators, noting that Lagos is responding with a bus reform pilot that requires commercial vehicles to operate under registered entities, fixed routes, trained drivers, QR codes, and stricter vehicle inspections.