Opay and Gokada Rider Protest against the Ban of the Lagos State Government
The Lagos State Government proscribed the operations of Okada and tricycle riders in 6 local governments and 9 local council development areas of the state.
The Lagos Government, while directing security operatives to embark on total enforcement of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018, also ordered that the riders must not ply 10 major highways and 40 bridges and flyovers across Lagos state.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, stated that all the government ever did was try to regulate the activities of these bike-hailing companies. This was in a bid to control some excesses associated with their operations.
According to him, he said “the Lagos government has not registered any company to come and be running Okada.
“He said the Lagos state government didn't license anybody to go and start running Okada because it is unfortunate that the rate at which people are dying, the rate at which people are being robbed on the roads, the Government is worried”
He also disclosed why the decision was taken to ban motorcycles in some parts of the state. According to him, there was an urgent need to do something about the number of accidents caused by motorbikes.
He, however, noted that the ban will not affect those using motorbikes to offer courier services. This is because they do not carry human beings. But there are recommended bikes that must be used for delivery services.
The Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018 is to be enforced on Saturday 1st Feb 2020. The Opay and Gokada Rider today Friday 31st January 2020 carried out a peaceful protest against the ban at Alausa Ikeja. They said they should be #RegulateNotBan
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