The use of motorcycles as commercial means of transport in Nigeria, popularly known as ‘Okada’ or ‘Achaba’ may soon be banned throughout the country.
The proposal for the ban was made by the National Council on Transport after its annual conference in Enugu State and endorsed by the Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar.
A statement from the Federal Ministry of Transport on Saturday evening stated that the ban of commercial motorcycle was one of the measures proposed towards adequate provision of safety and secure transportation in Nigeria.
It said the recommendation was contained in a statement of the week long meeting which had in attendance all the state commissioners of transport, permanent secretaries, directors and officials in the federal and state ministries of transport across the country.
The council advised all states in the federation to henceforth discourage the use of commercial motorcycles as a means of public transportation.
“All states and the Federal Capital Territory have therefore been advised to establish a public transport system that ensure strict regulation of the operation of public passenger transportation system through a well-articulated management system for enhanced safety, security, effective and efficient service delivery,” the statement said.
It added, “The states are to also develop master plans for the development of intelligent transport system to facilitate the development and management of their transport operations in line with emerging trends and global best practices.”
The statement noted that the council also agreed that all commercial vehicles should be properly registered in each state while their enumeration should be carried out periodically to enhance safety and security.
There's need to ensure that access roads to nooks and crannies where all these commercial motor bykes enable people to penetrate are provided for first if this policy is to be sustained. Otherwise it will be a law against the citizens and that will make the enforcement another problem,probably a bigger one.
ReplyDeleteThe elites will just seat somewhere and will take decision that will further impoverish the populace.
ReplyDeleteWe need a Nigerian solution to Nigerian problem. Not copy and paste as we see now.
Always Read before commenting!
DeleteMind ur HEADLINES! stop causing confusaion.
ReplyDeleteMany Okada riders use it to sustain themselves and their families. How would it look if their means of livelihood is removed? It is better to first identify genuine Okada riders through their Union. Then government should replace their bikes with Keke NAPEP so they can continue their means of livelihood. To leave them without an alternative is to expose them to the temptation of stealing. If that happens government would be contributing to the spate of violence and insecurity in the country. This should be avoided.
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