The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, says the use of motorcycles (Okada) as a major means of transportation is not in the plan of Lagos State and should be banned.
He spoke at a public lecture organised by the United Action for Change in Lagos on Thursday.
It will be recalled that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State had banned the operations of motorcycle and tricycle in 15 Local Government Development Areas and Local Council Development Areas, including highways and major roads in the state.
The ban, however, has generated controversies and mixed reactions from residents of Lagos and other Nigerians.
Since the enforcement of the ban, residents complained of gridlock, hike in transportation fare and unavailability of vehicles to convey them to their destinations.
But Fashola said rather than reduce crime, motorcycles aid it.
During his eight-year tenure as the Lagos State Governor, Fashola also banned Okadas, The PUNCH reports.
“If you are concerned about security you must support the present Lagos governor now on Okada ban. As the Center of Excellence, motorcycles should not be our choice of transport,” he added.
He also advised the Lagos State Government enforcement of the law, saying, “We are more focused on launch enforcement and increasing the numbers of policemen. Capacity development is great but security is more than law enforcement.”
