Opinion: The Real Issue In Lagos Government’s Pronouncement On Okada Riders, By Olusegun Fafore
Today, enforcement of existing laws on commercial motorcycles and restriction of their operation to certain parts of Lagos State, amounting to 74 per cent, 15 out of the 57 LCDAs takes effect, but public understanding of the pronouncement seems inadequate, if not inaccurate. The prevalence of the word ‘ban’ in the announcement is perhaps the reason for the misunderstanding and divergence of opinions.
Lagos State Government’s position on Okada and restriction of their movement to certain areas of the State was a decision that was carefully taken. Restricting the commercial motorcycle riders to 42 out of the 57 Local Community Development Areas in the State speaks to the question of socio-economic wellbeing of Okada riders, who depend on this activity as a means of livelihood.
The pronouncement and its intents were misinterpreted because the issue was wrongly framed. Now that increased understanding of the matter is coming to the fore as result of increased advocacy, and the realization that government’s position on the matter accommodated all conflicting interests, let us think about how a law that has been with us for more than six years is now so strange at the point of activation.
Soon, the landscape that has changed permanently for commercial motorcyclists will radiate a similar level of sanity in your experience when you arrive Calabar or Uyo where Okada operation is not only regulated, but guided by an area coverage regime. This administration is particular about transportation and traffic management. So, inaugurating a multi-modal transportation scheme and driving it to success certainly requires tough taking decisions.
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