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For years, the Lagos State Government has struggled with commercial motorcycle operators, popularly called okada, over their persistent disregard for traffic laws and route restrictions. Despite frequent raids and bike seizures, many riders remain defiant — a situation that can no longer continue.
In August, the state task force confiscated 668 motorcycles and arrested seven suspects during a week-long enforcement exercise led by its chairman, Adetayo Akerele. The operation targeted hotspots such as Ishaga, Iju-Ishaga Road, Ijegun Roundabout, Iyana-Iba, Igbo-Elerin, and Iyana-School, as well as Volkswagen Bus Stop on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and Kola Bus Stop along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.
Akerele noted that these areas were notorious for crimes linked to motorcycle operators, who are often accused of robbing residents, tricycle riders, and passengers — especially at night. Beyond criminal activity, okada riders are also known for flouting traffic rules, riding against traffic, ignoring traffic signals, and causing avoidable accidents.
These dangers highlight the need for a statewide ban on okadas and stricter enforcement to restore order. The problem has also spread to tricycles (Keke Marwa), further endangering public safety.
Efforts to regulate okadas date back to 2006, when night operations were first prohibited. In 2012, Governor Babatunde Fashola introduced the Lagos State Road Traffic Law, banning motorcycles below 200cc from highways and restricting their operations on key routes. The law also mandated a minimum of 200cc for courier services.
In 2015, the ban was restated but poorly enforced. By 2017, major highways and bridges were added to restricted routes, followed by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, which criminalizes motorcycle and tricycle operations on major highways, prescribing up to three years’ imprisonment and forfeiture of vehicles.
The government expanded the ban in 2020, covering six LGAs, nine LCDAs, 10 highways, and 40 bridges and flyovers. Ride-hailing bikes were also outlawed. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has since reaffirmed the restrictions with periodic raids involving the task force and police.
Despite their popularity as a quick means of transport, okadas and tricycles pose significant risks. Helmet laws are largely ignored, and between 2016 and 2019, Lagos recorded over 10,000 accidents involving them, leading to more than 600 deaths. The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, even created a dedicated “okada ward” to treat victims.
To make the ban effective, the government must provide alternative transport options such as more buses and help riders transition into other livelihoods. Collaboration with the private sector is also essential to reform the system using data-driven solutions and broad stakeholder engagement.
Ultimately, safeguarding lives and property must remain the state’s top priority.
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