Federal Government Set To Ban Commercial Motorcycles Nationwide?

According to a new report, it seems the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as “Okada” may soon be banned nationwide, if the federal government approves a proposal made by the National Council on Transport. The proposal for the ban was introduced at the council’s annual conference in Enugu State, and has been endorsed by the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, Punch reports. According to a statement released by the ministry, the ban was one of the measures being proposed to ensure adequate provision of safe and secure means of transportation in the country.

All the state commissioners of transport as well as directors and officials in the federal and state ministries of transport across the country attended the conference. They were all advised by the council to discourage the use of commercial motorcycles in their respective states, and to adopt safer and more efficient transport systems.

Below is an excerpt from the statement read at the conference:

"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 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."