Commercial motor-cycle riders in Nigerian state of Lagos have launched a protest against the ban on their activities.
Nigeria’s Lagos State government this week announced a ban on the activities of commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada, and tricycles also referred to as Keke Napep.
The ban will affect the activities of these bikes in some Local Government Areas, bridges, and highways in the state.
A directive has been given to security operatives to embark on total enforcement of the ban in six Local Government Areas, nine Local Council Development Areas and 10 major highways across the State with effect from February 1.
Nigeria’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso said on Monday that the latest measures are in response to “scary figures” of fatal accidents from operations of Okada and tricycles in the State.
Omotoso said “From 2016 to 2019, there were over 10,000 accidents recorded at the General Hospitals alone. This number excludes unreported cases and those recorded by other hospitals.
The total number of deaths from reported cases is over 600 as of date.
“Also, the rate of crimes aided by Okada and Keke keeps rising. They are also used as getaway means by criminals.
He added that “After a robust assessment of the debate on what has been widely referred to as the motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (Keke) menace, the Lagos State Government and the State Security Council have decided that the security and safety of lives of Lagosians are paramount.”
But the operators say the ban would take away their means of livelihood and render them jobless.
They have submitted a petition to lawmakers seeking for review of the ban which takes effect from February 1, 2020.
Motorbikes and Tricycles have become popular means of transportation in Lagos due to the heavy vehicular congestion on major roads.
Source: Africafeeds.com
