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LASG : No Going Back On Okada Ban, Arrested Riders, Passengers Risk 3-years Imprisonment
LASG : No going back on okada ban, as enforcement of the ban in four additional LGAs commences on Sept 1.
Says riders, passengers found operating in areas where it has been banned risk 3-years jail term.
Gives assurance that the decision was taken to ensure the safety of lives and property of residents.
Says available alternatives will cushion the effects of ban on passengers and commercial motorcyclists.
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its decision to put an end to okada operations in the state as the enforcement of the ban in four additional local governments commences on September 1, 2022.
The affected Local Government Areas are Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Shomolu and Mushin, while the affected LCDAs are Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Ejigbo, Bariga and Odi-Olowo.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, reaffirmed that the State Government has made available alternatives that will cushion the effects of the ban on passengers and commercial motorcyclists.
He said :
“As a responsive government, we are not leaving the affected passengers who patronise these okadas stranded without any viable means of transportation, that is why we have made available alternative and sustainable means of transportation such as the First and Last Mile Bus Transport Scheme, the BRT Scheme, the Lagos e-hailing taxi Scheme (LAGRIDE) and other acceptable modes of transportation to go about their daily activities.
“As for the riders, we have also made available existing interventions aimed at empowering citizens as an alternative means of livelihood,” he added.
While giving an assurance that the decision was taken to ensure the safety of lives and property of residents, Oladeinde restated a warning that okada riders and passengers found operating in areas where it has been banned will be jailed three years on conviction.
He said :
“We implore the general public to comply as both the rider and passenger are both liable to 3 years in prison if prosecuted, while their motorcycles will be impounded and crushed in the public view, in line with the provision of Section 46, sub-section 1, 2 & 3 of the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL), 2018.”
