The Lagos State Government has extended the ban on Okada, to four more local government areas.
The move, according to government followed a review of the impact of a similar ban in six local government areas.
The government in addition to the existing ban is now directing a total ban on Okada activities in four new local government areas and their local council development areas, effective from first September.
Transportation Commissioner, Frederic Oladeinde, disclosed this during a news briefing in Lagos.
According to him, based on the apparent positive impact of the ban and the resolution of the Stakeholders’ forum, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the ban of Okada in another four Local Governments and their respective five Local Council Development Arears for the second Phase of the total ban.
In his words, this is in addition to the on-going ban in the six Local Governments and their respective nine Local Council Development Areas.
He listed the affected Local Government Areas as Kosofe Local Government, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government; Shomolu Local Government, and Mushin Local Government.
According to him, the Local Council Development Areas are Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Bariga, and Odi-Olowo.
He assured Lagosians that government has put measures in place to cushion the impact of the most recent ban on Okada in the commercial city, reiterating that the move is in the best interest of residents.
Oladeinde noted that the decision is to further consolidate on the achievements made so far with particular reference to decline in accident and crime rate and to continue to bring sanity to communities within the State.
While the ban is in force, he wants the public to resort to alternative and sustainable means of transportation provided in the State such as the First and Last Mile Transport Scheme, the BRT Scheme, the Lagos e-hailing taxi Scheme, Lagride, and other acceptable modes of transportation to go about their daily activities.
The commissioner also said government has directed the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos Command with all relevant stakeholders, Army, Navy, Air Force, other security and law enforcement formations within the State to be complimented by the ‘Anti-Okada Squad’ that will be deployed to the new locations to stimulate seamless implementation and enforcement of the phase two ban in the State.