The city of Lagos set to ban the use of ‘Okada’

Nigeria’s business capital, Lagos, plans to ban motorbike and tricycle taxis – the city’s most common forms of transport – from its major roads.

The Lagos state government said the ban was as a result of deaths and disorderliness caused by motorbike taxis, locally referred to as “okadas”, and motorized tricycle taxis, known as “Keke napeps”.

It will take effect on 1 February and will be enforced on all major highways and bridges. It will be extended to other areas after an impact assessment is done.

City official Gbenga Omotoso is quoted by local media as saying these vehicles will not be allowed in these areas of the city: Ikeja, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, Apapa, Surulere and Eti Osa.

Lagos State Government on Monday wielded the big stick against the menace of commercial motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke NAPEP) @jidesanwoolu @gbenga_omo #LASG #ForAGreaterLagos pic.twitter.com/pIoy6RzGjz

— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) January 27, 2020

Nigerians online have protested about the ban, with some saying motorbike taxis help them beat the city’s notorious traffic jams.

One singer tweeted that using an Okada had saved him from missing several shows and flights:

https://twitter.com/Tclassic_MNE/status/1221866644105986048

https://twitter.com/TWEETORACLE/status/1221869142577483776

I tweeted last year that if OPay gets banned there will be chaos! Now watch bustops get over crowded more than normal. Does Lagos government want improvement abi they want to kee us in this state? They even banned keke and Okada. So we that don’t have cars will suffer.

— DREYLO (@RealDreylo) January 27, 2020

https://twitter.com/_valkiing/status/1221847847873798145?s=20