Okada and Tricycle Operators have 21 Days to Vacate Some Roads in Lagos.

Gov. Akinwumi Ambode

A 21-day ultimatum to motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle riders to vacate restricted routes has been issued by the government of Lagos state to check the activities of some members of the two unions, which are now seen plying the restricted roads again in the state. 

After a consultative meeting with the leadership of the various associations of both the motorcycle and tricycle riders in the state, the secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Tunji Bello made this known to the journalists.

While addressing the journalists, Mr Tunji Bello, said the government condemned the recalcitrant attitude of operators of the two unions, by flouting, with impunity, the stipulated procedures guiding their operations.

The SSG said anybody caught after the stipulated 21-day ultimatum will face the full wrath of the law. “The State Government would not allow a return to the recent past before the enforcement of the 2012 Road Traffic Law where crime rate and road accidents caused by unruly motorcycle riders were prevalent, so they should be called to order”, He said.

The guidelines for motorcycle and tricycle operations in Lagos State are contained in Section 3 and Regulation 16 Sub-Section 4, 5 and 6 of the Road Traffic Law which restricts commercial motorcycles on 475 roads out of the 9100 road network in the State. 

The law also mandates the wearing of standard crash helmet with full protection for riders and passengers, the carrying of only one passenger, the non-carriage of children and pregnant women, non-operation of okada beyond 8.00pm in Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Ikeja and 10.00pm in other areas of the State.

Mr Tunji Bello also warns against riding of motorcycles on the kerb, median or road setbacks or in a direction prohibited by law and expects respect for all traffic laws and regulations.