By Seyi Babalola
Lagos State Government on Tuesday inaugurated anti-Okada squad to reinforce its commitment to the ban on commercial motorcycles in six Local Governments and nine Local Council Development Areas.
According to the government, the new Squad will join the Police to enforce the ban in all parts of the affected councils and on all highways, major roads and bridges in the state.
The ban is in line with the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL), 2018.
The Commissioner of Transportation Dr Frederic Oladeinde, who disclosed this during the inauguration of the Squad said the Special Anti-Okada Squad will be reporting to the Police.
While urging the citizenry to collaborate with the State Government to combat the Okada menace, the Commissioner stressed that it is the responsibility of the public to report any nefarious activities of the squad to the Ministry of Transportation or through the following help/complaint lines: 09038208154, 09034810153, 09033090826 and 09169655855. Such reports will help the government generate feedback on strategies for the protection of lives and property.
The Commissioner warned that any persons arrested (i.e. riders and passengers) will be made to face the full wrath of the law in line with the provision of Section 46, sub-section 1, 2 & 3 of the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL), 2018.
He reiterated that motorcycles impounded will be crushed in the public glare.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Kamar Olowoshago, also urged men of the new Squad to be diligent and honest in the discharge of their duties.
Also at the inauguration was the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Fatai Akinderu, who later presented completion of training certificates to members of the squad.