Okada/Keke Ban: Little Discomfort Experienced By Lagosians Will Not Last Long

Lagos State Government says the little discomfort experienced by commuters on some routes due to the absence of motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke Napep) will not last long, as alternatives are being rolled out.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement on Sunday, the government has rolled out some palliative measures to cushion the effect of the ban on commercial motorcycles and tricycles in 6 local governments and 9 local council development areas of the state.

The restriction of Keke and Okada kicked off on Saturday, with the government saying it achieved “over 90% compliance”.

“The level of compliance was over 90 per cent. In fact, some of the ride hailing companies directed their riders to obey the directive. This is commendable.

”The high level of compliance has shown that Lagosians agree with the government on the need to stop the danger that commercial motorcycles and tricycles have become – a big threat to safety of lives and security of our people. They should stand firm in supporting the government.

”The little discomfort experienced by commuters on some routes due to the absence of motorcycles and tricycles is noted. This will not last, as alternatives are being rolled out.

”A fleet of 65 buses will join the others on some major routes as from Monday, Feb. 3, 2020,” Omotoso said.

He said that no less than 550 more buses were being expected and 14 ferries would be commissioned on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020.

According to him, this will further open up the waterways, reduce travel time on various routes and provide safe, dependable and comfortable alternatives for commuters.

The commissioner said that the government was not unaware that enforcing this directive might lead to some job losses.

He said that the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, planned to announce some measures to tackle the likely effects of the order.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Government has revealed that why Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu banned the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles in the state.