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Tag: motorcycles

  • Task force impounds 106 motorcycles in Lagos

    Task force impounds 106 motorcycles in Lagos

    In its continued effort to enforce the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, the Lagos State Task Force impounded 106 motorcycles last Monday, across various locations in the state.

    The enforcement was conducted at key areas notorious for Okada operations despite the ban, including Iyana-School Bus Stop, First Gate Bus Stop by Igbo-Elerin, the stretch along Iyana Iba-LASU Expressway, Megida Bus Stop, and Ayobo Roundabout.

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    These locations have been identified as hotspots for defiant Okada riders who continue to flout the state’s traffic laws.

    The Task Force Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reiterated the government’s stance on the ban, emphasising that the crackdown is part of broader efforts  to enhance security and safety within the metropolis.

  • Task force impounds 344 motorcycles 

    Task force impounds 344 motorcycles 

    At least 344 motorcycles have been impounded by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task force) for plying restricted routes in parts of the state. The Okada were seized at Abule Ado, Lagos Island, Berger and Abule Egba areas of the state in a week-long raid supervised by the agency’s Chairman, CSP Shola Jejeloye, a statement by Director Press and Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said yesterday.

    According to Adbulraheem, Jejeloye promised to bring the operations of recalcitrant motorcycle operators to a halt, noting that they had continually put commuters in harm’s way through their actions.

    “We have taken it upon ourselves to end Okada operations in the state and we are putting all mechanisms in place to ensure we achieve this goal. There is a ban on their activities along selected routes and local governments in Lagos. Therefore they should not be allowed to operate as they please,” he said.

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    Continuing, the task force spokesman said 174 of the bikes were seized at Abule Ado, 50 from Lagos Island, five from Berger/Grammar School and 70 from Abuke Ado axis

    He said Jejeloye urged uniformed men to shun disobedience to extant rules and regulations in the state, warning that those caught would be prosecuted.

    “There will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of Okada operations in the state. Therefore any uniformed man caught conveying passengers on a motorcycle for commercial purposes will be thoroughly dealt with. 

    “We should be the ones setting the right examples, not breaking laws. It will no longer be business as usual.

    “The chairman further said the stubborn Okada operators should not test the might for enforcement by the agency, as it is more determined than ever to eradicate their activities for good. Any operator found wanting will be severely dealt with according to the laws of the state,” he said.

  • Lagos govt crushes 1,500 motorcycles seized on prohibited routes

    Lagos govt crushes 1,500 motorcycles seized on prohibited routes

    Lagos State Government has crushed 1,500 seized commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada in a renewed onslaught against Okada operation in the 10 local governments and 15 local council development areas (LCDAs).

    The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, who disclosed this yesterday while supervising the crushing of the motorcycles at the Task Force Yard, Alausa, Ikeja, said this was in line with the government’s commitment to safety and security of lives and property.

    He said the exercise was an indication that the government was not rescinding its decision to apprehend, impound and crush recalcitrant motorcycles plying restricted areas.

    Osiyemi said besides crushing, Okada operators, riders and passengers caught plying restricted routes risked three years imprisonment if apprehended, in line with the Transport Sector Reform Law, (TSRL) 2018.

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    “The ban on Okada in specified areas is crucial for maintaining order, reducing risks associated with unauthorised motorcycle operation and also improving security,” Osiyemi said.

    The prohibited local governments include Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Mushin, Apapa, Ikeja, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Surulere and Eti-Osa.

    The LCDAs under them which the ban also covers include Ojodu, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island East, Yaba and Coker Aguda. Others are Itire-Ikate, Eti-Osa West, Iru Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Ejigbo, Bariga and Odi-Olowo.

    Also present at the crushing are the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa and other officials of the ministry.

  • Lagos crushes 1,500 motorcycles apprehended in prohibited routes

    Lagos crushes 1,500 motorcycles apprehended in prohibited routes

    The Lagos state government on Monday, November 27, crushed 1,500 apprehended commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada in a renewed onslaught against Okada operation in the 10 local governments and 15 local council development areas (LCDAS) in the state.

    The commissioner for transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, who disclosed this while supervising the crushing of the motorcycles at the Taskforce Yard, Alausa, Ikeja, said this is in line with the government’s commitment to the safety and security of lives and property.

    He said the exercise is an indication that the government is not rescinding its decision to apprehend, impound, and crush recalcitrant motorcycles plying all restricted areas.

    Osiyemi further emphasised that beyond the crushing, any Okada operators, riders, and passengers alike, caught plying all the restricted routes risk three years imprisonment if apprehended in line with the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL) 2018.

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    He said: “The ban on Okada in specified areas is crucial for maintaining order, reducing risks associated with unauthorized motorcycle operation, and also improving security.”

    The prohibited local government areas include; Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Mushin, Apapa, Ikeja, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Surulere, and Eti-Osa.

    The Local Council Development Areas under them which the ban also covered include; Ojodu, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island East, Yaba, and Coker Aguda. Others are; Itire-Ikate, Eti-Osa West, Iru Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Ejigbo, Bariga, and Odi-Olowo.

    The commissioner urged Okada operators to obey the ban order in the prohibited areas, adding that Okada is not a safe means of commercial transportation and does not fit into the transport policy of the state.

    Also present at the crushing exercise are the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, and other officials of the ministry.

  • Army bans use of motorcycles in the forests of seven Northern states

    The military yesterday announced the ban on motorcycles use in the forests of six of the seven Northwest states and Niger in Northcentral

    The states are:  Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi and Kaduna.

    The army warned that those caught violating the ban would be considered as bandits and kidnappers.

    According to Army spokesman Col. Sagir Musa, the ban became imperative given the fact that bandits perpetrate nefarious activities with the use of motorcycles.

    Col Sagir, in a statement, said: “The Nigerian Army (NA) over time has observed the use of motorcycles by armed bandits, kidnappers, criminal elements and their collaborators as enablers to perpetrate their heinous crimes especially in the states within the Northwest geopolitical zone of the country.

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    “This informed the decision and directive to ban the use of motorcycles within the hinterland particularly around the Forests where the armed bandits, criminals and kidnappers hibernate and all around where troops are conducting operations alongside other security agencies.

    “While this may cause some inconveniences to some law abiding citizens in the area, the need to use all means possible to stop the dastardly activities of these bandits across the Northwest part of Nigeria needs no emphasis.

    “The general public, particularly in the Northwest and some parts of Northcentral in Nigeria where Operation HARBIN KUNAMA is ongoing are enjoined to bear with the NA as concerted efforts are being made to combat the insecurity menace ongoing within the area.

    “In this wise, it is hereby reiterated that the use of motorcycles remains banned within the forest areas in Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi and Niger states.

    “Anyone caught using motorcycles within the named areas will be taken for an armed bandit, criminal and kidnapper with dire consequences.

    “The respective state governments are enjoined to please disseminate the ban on the use of motorcycles in the named areas and enforce the ban in conjunction with the security agencies.”

  • Amaechi warns against use of tricycles, motorcycles for criminal activities

    Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has warned operators of motorcycles popularly called Okada and Tricycles also known as Keke NAPEP to guide against the use of the means of easy transport for criminal activities, measures are already being put in place to check such criminal activities.

    Amaechi also asked the leadership of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycles and Motorcycle Owners, Repairs and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) to check the infiltration of its rank by criminal elements across the country who pose security risk to Nigerians.

    Represented by the Mrs. Anthonia Ekpa, a director in the Ministry of transport at the inauguration of the new leadership of the association in Abuja, the Minister also asked the association to embark on the training and rebranding of its members in line with international best practices.

    Amaechi  said that aside the many road infractions often committed by members of the association, its ranks were being infiltrated daily by questionable persons who pose security threats across the country, adding that regulations are underway to check this recurring decimal.

    He disclosed that the ministry was working to ensure reduction in the cost of operation through the introduction of solar powered tricycles, saying “you will have to ensure that your member operate within the laws of the land and within international best practices, such as it is obtainable in other parts of the world.

    “The ministry is also worried that some miscreants will use tricycles and motorcycles, posing as members of this very reputable organization to cause havoc and security challenges across the country. This is why we want to extract a commitment from the new president that your members will work with the ministry to be retrained and rebrand like our counterparts in other countries.”

    In his remarks, Chairman Senate committee on Land transport, Senator Olugbenga Ashafa tasked operators to be law abiding, placing safety above all else and sticking to designated routes, while commending members of the association for voting enmass for President Muhammadu Buhari in the just concluded elections.

     

  • Extension agents get 220 vehicles, motorcycles

    The Northeast Commodity Association (NECAS) has procured 220 motorcycles and distributed to extension agents in the region.

    NECAS also distributed utility vehicles to the all the zonal supervisors for easy accessibility to over 20,000 farmers.

    The states are Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Yobe, while Borno was not included because of  insecurity.

    The  NECAS National President Mallam Sadiq Daware said in Abuja that earlier N14.9 billion loan was distributed to the NECAS farmers under the platform of Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP).

    He said input were also given to farmers on loan basis and they were expected to pay back in three phases.

    “Starting with first payment of 40 per cent after the first farming cycle, then they would pay the remaining two cycles of 30 per cent making a total of 100 per cent.

    “Before now, the size of each farm had been captured and an identity card was issued to each of the beneficiaries of the project for easy identification and documentation to enable them to access the required support.

    “The agents are to oversee all the farms in the Northeast that are producing rice, maize, millet, sorghum and even small ruminants amongst others.”

    Dware said for the successful implementation of the exercise, the extension workers had been taught the working systems of modern technologies in service delivery and they were optimistic that the training would be beneficial to the farmers.

    According to him, the efforts are geared toward encouraging increased agricultural production in line with the drive to diversify the economy.

    “NECAS has 128 retired extension agents recruited privately for the programme in Adamawa, the programme is in other five states and they are re-trained on modern technologies in enhancing their job performance.

    “For example, they are supervising 11,525 farmers that are cultivating 38,678 hectares of land for maize, sorghum, soya beans, rice and cotton in Adamawa, while the nearest to it Yobe where farmers are cultivating 14,666 hectares of land by 5,676,’’ he said.

  • Motorcycles without mirrors

    Mirrors in a Trailer, Truck, Bus, Car, Tricycle, Motorcycle or Bicycle are like a second eye to the Driver or Rider. It, therefore, implies that any Driver or Rider, whose vehicle has no requisite mirrors cannot see well thereby constituting a safety risk on the road.

    After a tour of several places in Lagos, Abuja, Sokoto, Katsina, Benin and Bauchi States, I noticed a very dangerous trend, most of the Motorcycles had no side Mirrors, a very few had  mirror on only one side while a very tiny percentage had mirror on both sides. Out of the very little percentage that had 2 or 1 mirror, majority of the Riders did not set the mirrors for use.

    Considering the fact that Motorcycles are increasingly being used for commercial transportation in many parts of Nigeria, there is a need for the Governments and the Associations for the Riders to be up and doing in the following areas to ensure Standards of the motorcycles and Safety of the Riders and Passengers:

    • Quality Riders Education – Most of the Riders learnt how to ride just within 2 days and on the 3rd day, they are already on the road carrying passengers. Inadequate Riders education is the major contributory factor to the incessant accidents involving Motorcycle Riders. They need to be well exposed to Motorcycle Dynamics, Defensive Riding Techniques, Traffic Signs and Traffic Regulations and the basic Rules for Safe Riding among others. Standard Driving Schools should be involved in the comprehensive Learner Training and Re – training of experienced Riders in all the 36 States and FCT. Prevention educations still stands out as the surest antidote to road traffic crashes globally.
    • Testing and Licensing of Motorcycle Riders by the appropriate Government Authority is very crucial and must not be compromised to further ensure safety on Nigeria roads
    • Regular Monitoring of Motorcycle Riders on the roads by appointed Officers of the Riders Association to ensure that the Motorcycles are roadworthy and fitted with well – set side mirrors, turn indicators and other lights. The Officers should not focus on the sales of Tickets alone but more importantly on the Riders and the Standard or road worthiness of their Motorcycles and Tricycles. With this result – oriented monitoring, Riders who are working under the influence of any psychoactive drugs can also be detected and handled appropriately
    • The appropriate Government Traffic Law Enforcement Agencies must turn their searchlights in the direction of the Motorcycle and Tricycle Riders to ensure their compliance to the relevant Road Traffic Regulations so as to promote sanity on the roads and further reduce the rate of accidents, injuries and deaths involving the Motorcycle and Tricycle Riders on Nigeria Roads.
    • Government Traffic Law Enforcement Officers, Police and Taskforce must also stop the habit of breaking the side mirrors of Motorcycles and Tricycle as a way of punishing them for not complying with traffic regulations or for failing to pay the usual contributions. By breaking their side mirrors, more safety risks are being created by these Officers knowingly or unknowingly.

    Enough of sit – down look. Since there seems to be no alternative to the use of Motorcycles and Tricycles in all the parts of the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, the Federal, state and local governments and their relevant agencies as well as the association of riders must rise up to the occasion and take proactive measures towards ensuring the safety of irreparable lives on the roads.

  • Police to clampdown on motorcycles

    The Lagos State Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal has warned that with effect from June 15, motorcycles plying the highways or bridges would be impounded.

    The command also warned that all unregistered motorcycles and those not licenced would also be impounded.

    This warnings were issued during a meeting held with the Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos state (MOALS), Nagari Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NAMORA) and  and Okada Riders Welfare Association (ORWA).

    A statement by police spokesman, Chike Oti, a Superintendent (SP), said the meeting was convened following the setting ablaze of a police van by rampaging motorcyclists at Ibeshe, Ikorodu.

    He said: “In view of the unfortunate incident of May 30, whereby some commercial motorcyclists, attempted to burn Ibeshe Police Post but ended up burning a police patrol vehicle stationed at a black spot in the town, a meeting was held to discuss the issue.

    “During the meeting, the CP decried the attitude of some motorcyclists, who attack members of the public or constituted authorities at the slightest disagreement. He warned that the police would not only arrest unruly okada riders but ensure that they face the full wrath of the law.

    “At the end of the meeting, it was resolved that with effect from June 15, any motorcycle without licence plate number would be impounded. All commercial motorcycle operators are restricted from plying the highways and the bridges; every commercial motorcycle operator must register with any of the approved unions for the purpose of accountability and easy identification.

    “Every commercial motorcycle operator must wear an apron which must indicate the union he belongs and bear boldly, his identification number.”

     

  • Civil Defence deploys 50 motorcycles

    Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 50 motorcycles in its Taraba Command, to enhance patrol at flashpoints, the Commandant, Alhaji Kamilu Isah, has said.

    He told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jalingo  that the motorcycles would assist the command in tackling violence at Takum, Mambilla and Lau.

    Isah said: “Arrangements have been made for fuelling and maintenance of the motorcycles, which will encourage my men to tackle crime in difficult terrains.

    “Security equipment, including bullet proof vests, boots, helmets and shocking batons were given to the command.

    “Other gadgets that will not be disclosed for security reasons were also provided by the commandant-general.’’

    He appreciated the support of the Commandant-General, Abdullahi Muhammadu, to the command, saying the facilities would be put to use.