Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos says there is no going back on the June 1 proposed ban of Okada, commercial motorcycles on highways.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said this while speaking with journalists on Tuesday evening, after the State Security Meeting, at Lagos House, Ikeja.

The ban is in six local governments (Surulere, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, Apapa, Eti-Osa and Ikeja).

The local council development areas (LCDAs) are Yaba, Coker-Aguda, Itire-Ikate, Apapa-Iganmu, Ojodu, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island East, Lagos Island West, Eti-Osa East, Eti-Osa West, Iru-Victoria Island and Ikoyi-Obalende.

Mr Sanwo-Olu explained that security agencies and the Lagos government agreed to ban commercial motorcycles in the selected areas. He noted that the government and agencies would ensure that the security architecture is not compromised so that residents would live and do their business without fear.

”The security meeting gives us an opportunity to review the recent pronouncement on the future banning of Okada (motorcycles) in some selected local governments and LCDAs. We are able to put strategies in place. All of us were able to identify a lot of other things we need to do to embark on advocacy and ensure that we communicate effectively and efficiently to citizens,” stated the Lagos governor.

He added, ”That is why you see us giving out handbills in all of the major languages that we have in the country. There is a radio jingle being sent out to also communicate to people. I am also aware that there is a plan for advocacy on television stations as well. It is a people-driven initiative that we all agreed to live and to comport ourselves in similar manner.”

The governor further assured political parties in Lagos of adequate security in the ongoing primary elections ahead of the 2023 general elections.

”We enjoin various political parties to approach the Lagos state police command to give them adequate security at various venues where they are conducting their various delegate and primary elections for various positions,” Mr Sanwo-Olu stated. “It is purely to ensure that there are no gaps and that the security architecture of the state is not compromised in any way. And our citizens can continue to live their lives and do their business without any fear or favour.” 

(NAN)