FG Gives Update On Banning Okada In Nigeria

The federal government of Nigeria has stated that it has not taken a final decision on the proposal to ban commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada in the country.

The clarification was given by the Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, while speaking in Abuja at the annual strategic stakeholders’ summit of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle & Motorcycle Owners, Repairs & Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN).

Naija News recalls back in July 2022, the federal government revealed that it is considering banning the use of motorcycles, popularly known as okada across the country.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, gave the hint while addressing newsmen after a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).

He submitted that an investigation carried out showed that okada was used for illegal activities across the country including banditry and helping criminals to execute their nefarious activities.

However, Adegoroye in an update has now declared that the ban is yet to be effective and no final decision has been taken on the matter.

The Minister said; “By the grace of God, I’ve been a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the highest decision-making body in this country today and I’ve been there now since July. I was appointed June, I became member and I attended my first FEC on the 6th of July this year.

“Let me assure you and assure ACOMORAN that there is no decision to ban Okada.”

We Are Working On Mass Transit Systems

Speaking further, the Minister added that the current government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is working towards a sustainable mass transit system in the country.

He said though other administrations have attempted the same, it has not been totally successful, adding that ACOMORAN as a major stakeholder will be consulted on how to make the plan work sustainably.

“The Federal government under the leadership of our father and our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, is also desirous of putting in place a mass transit system that will not fail like those of the past.

“It is true that several governments in the past have done one or two things to promote mass transit and ensure that our people are able to move from one place to the other seamlessly and easily.

“But nobody is a repository of knowledge, nobody has monopoly of wisdom. ACOMORAN also have a right and a duty to this country. So, we will put heads together,” Adegoroye submitted.