The Punch Editorial Board has called on the Lagos State Government to strictly enforce a statewide ban on commercial motorcycles and tricycles, citing crime, road accidents, and disregard for safety laws
The Punch Editorial Board has urged the Lagos State Government to enforce a total statewide ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly called okada, and tricycles due to rising insecurity and accidents. The paper noted that despite repeated restrictions since 2006, operators remain defiant, often violating traffic rules, riding against traffic, and being linked to robberies.
In August, the Lagos task force seized 668 bikes and arrested seven suspects during raids across Iju-Ishaga, Iyana-Iba, Igbo-Elerin, and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. Chairman Adetayo Akerele said the targeted areas were flagged after “numerous complaints and distress calls indicating the persistent use of commercial motorcycles by suspected criminals.”
Between 2016 and 2019, Lagos recorded over 10,000 accidents involving okadas and tricycles, resulting in more than 600 deaths. While acknowledging their role in easing transport, the editorial stressed that “the safety of lives and property in Lagos must remain the government’s highest priority,” urging alternatives like buses and private-sector collaboration.