Lagos Makes Exemptions To Okada Ban

The Lagos State Government, on Monday, made exemptions to the motorcycle (okada) and tricycle (keke) ban being enforced by security officers in the state.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho said that dispatch riders, courier companies, newspaper dispatching motorcycle, and motorbike riders, were exempted from the ban.

Omotosho explained that security agents also have discretionary powers in certain instances.

He said, “Every officer to enforce this law has discretionary powers. Aside from the discretionary powers, courier companies, dispatch riders, newspaper dispatching motorcycles, and motorbikes are exempted from the ban and they must be well kitted. You wear your helmet, you don’t carry passengers and you have your box behind you to show you are a dispatch rider.”

Despite the protests in the state, the commissioner said the government did not plan to review the ban.

Omotosho thanked residents who had borne the pains of the enforcement, saying the government had the interest of Lagosians at heart.

PUNCH