Indications have emerged that the use of commercial motorcycles, or okada, might be soon banned nationwide.
It would be recalled that the an on the vehicles use was imposed this year in some areas of the country, with no intention of the authorities to reverse the restriction.
Seized commercial motorcycles being destroyed
According to Punch, another proposal was made by the National Council on Transport and endorsed by the Minister of Transport Idris Umar. In the statement released Saturday, October 25, which followed a week-long meeting, the ban of okada was suggested as a means of ensuring safety on the roads of the whole Nigeria.
At the meeting, which was attended by the top representative of transport bodies of all the states, the council recommended the authorities to adopt the measure.
“All states and the Federal Capital Territory have therefore been advised to establish a public transport system that ensure strict regulation of the operation of public passenger transportation system through a well-articulated management system for enhanced safety, security, effective and efficient service delivery.”
“The states are to also develop master plans for the development of intelligent transport system to facilitate the development and management of their transport operations in line with emerging trends and global best practices.”