Following the Lagos state government’s decision to restrict the movement of motorcycles, popularly called okada on 475 roads including highways and bridges, some residents in Oshodi-Isolo area of Lagos state say the decision may hamper easy movement of commuters.
Community Bell gathered that okada is one of the fastest means of commuting within the community and environs, as well as a means of livelihood for lots of people, its restriction could put them out off job and may lead to an increase in crime rates.
A motorcyclist in Jakande Estate, Matthew Haruna said an alternative source of income should be provided for them. “This business is the only source of livelihood for me. I have been doing this work for six years and I have been using it to feed my family. If the government can give me another business that will give me money to cater for my family, I don’t mind.”
Another motorcyclist in the Isolo area, Samson Ogundele says his means of livelihood is not dependent on riding Okada. I don’t care if they decide to ban motorcycles because I have an alternative. I ride my bike in the mornings and in the afternoons, I face my other work as a mechanic. I will advise other okada riders to learn a skill not depend solely on riding motorcycle, just in case the worst happens.”
While Gideon Okeke, a civil servant who plies Isolo road advised that motorcycles could be operated within an organised system. “I think it should be well organised because if motorcyclists are taken off the roads, what do you expect them to do? The government has to provide something else for them to do because if they are left stranded, crime rate will increase and government’s efforts rendered futile.”
He counselled that instead of taking them off the roads, government could rebrand them by introducing safety measures, which they must abide with and create lanes which will be for motorcyclists only. Another civil servant, Jessica Nwayinwu in Isolo says government’s decision has advantages and disadvantages. “Sometimes, when the road is congested, they make it easier for you to get to your destination but at other times, they could be reckless, so I think they should be banned.”
A commuter, Lekan Ayinde who plies the Jakande Estate route noted that if motorcycles are restricted from some roads, people will get to their work places late. Again, okada is a means of livelihood for many people. If restricted or banned, incidents of armed robbery may skyrocket. While Mariam Orji who sells shoes at Jakande Gate says alternative means of transportation should be made available for people. “They make it easier to locate your destination because they know all the routes and streets but at the same time, they are not good on the expressways. They cause accidents because they don’t have patience to ride carefully. Even if okada is restricted, an alternative means of transportation should be provided.”
Already, Taskforce officials in Ikeja along area are ensuring that Motorcyclists stay clear of the expressway even though there is usually traffic gridlock due to the on-going BRT construction.
