The Lagos State Government has crushed about 2000 impounded motorcycles seized for violating the ban of Okada operations in six Local Governments and nine Local Council Development Areas in Lagos.
Speaking during the exercise in Ikeja, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, reiterated the government’s commitment to the safety and security of lives and property, stressing that crushing the bikes shows that the government is not rescinding its decision on the policy.
He lauded Lagosians for the high level of compliance observed in all six LG/LCDAs, noting that 21 people have been charged to court for flouting the ban, just as provision has been made for motorcycle riders affected by the ban through the First and Last Mile buses scheme.
Omotoso further disclosed that affected riders may also consider enrolling at any of the vocational centres across the State or access the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to explore other fields of work, maintaining that Okada is not a safe means of commercial transportation and does not fit into the transportation policy of the State.
On his part, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, averred that the Okada being crushed were apprehended by the Enforcement agencies from the six LGs and nine LCDAs, emphasising that the State Government will not relent in its efforts to ensure Okadas stay banned in the aforementioned areas.
Urging Lagosians to remain calm and patient with the Government on the ban, Oladeinde gave an assurance that the ongoing implementation of the multi-modal transportation system will cater to the commuting needs of the citizenry.
He affirmed that more buses, taxis and boats have been deployed to ensure that commuters have decent alternatives to get to their destinations, stressing that Lagosians should adhere to the ban instituted and obey all the State traffic laws.
Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Shola Jejeloye, also declared that enforcement will be intensified in the coming week, warning that recalcitrant motorcyclists waiting for the enforcement team to weaken its resolve on the Okada ban are wasting their time and that the Lagos State Task Force will live up to its responsibility.
