Lagos Taskforce Sensitises Transport Unions Over Okada Operations on Highways

Lagos Taskforce Sensitises Transport Unions Over Okada Operations on Highways

By Temidayo Babalola 

The Lagos State Taskforce has embarked on a public advocacy and sensitisation campaign targeted at commercial motorcycle operators and transport unions in Ikorodu and its environs, following growing concerns over the increasing violation of traffic regulations by operators popularly known as Okada riders, TMnews report.

The exercise, which was carried out under the leadership of the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele focused on educating members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), particularly branches operating within the Ikorodu, Ogolonto and Majidun areas.

The Taskforce said the engagement became necessary following complaints from members of the public and concerns raised by safety and security stakeholders over the increasing cases of commercial motorcycle operators plying prohibited highways, walkways and BRT corridors.

The sensitisation exercise was conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, which regulates and restricts commercial motorcycle operations on designated roads and routes across the state.

Speaking during the engagement, Akerele noted that the Agency had previously reduced enforcement activities in the affected areas due to what he described as a relatively high level of compliance by commercial motorcycle operators.

He, however, expressed concern over recent observations indicating a resurgence of Okada operations on restricted highways and other prohibited routes.

According to him, the Taskforce considered it necessary to engage the leadership of the transport unions and their members through dialogue, advocacy and sensitisation to prevent further violations and ensure sustained compliance with the law.

At the end of the engagement, the transport unions reached a bilateral agreement with the Agency to work collaboratively towards ensuring that commercial motorcycle operators comply strictly with the provisions of the law.

As part of the resolutions reached, the unions agreed to support the Taskforce in compelling their members to comply with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, particularly regarding restricted routes.

The union leadership also agreed to establish internal taskforces comprising their members to monitor and oversee commercial motorcycle operations within Ikorodu, Ogolonto and Majidun and ensure compliance with the agreed operational guidelines.

The Taskforce, however, reiterated that advocacy and sensitisation would continue alongside enforcement.

The Agency warned that any commercial motorcycle operator found plying prohibited highways, bridges, BRT corridors or other restricted routes would be arrested, while the motorcycle would be impounded in accordance with the law.

The Taskforce appreciated the cooperation of the transport unions and other stakeholders and urged commercial motorcycle operators to take advantage of the sensitisation exercise by immediately complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a balanced approach of public advocacy, education and enforcement in its efforts to ensure safety, order and sanity on roads across Lagos State.