Mixed reactions have trailed the total ban on commercial motorcycles and tricyclists across major highways, bridges and corridors in Lagos State.
Rising from its weekly State Security meetings, the government announced that from February 1, all commercial cyclists, including those in hailing services would face the wrath of the law should they be seen on certain routes that cut across 15 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) of the state.
Information Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso, said the protection of lives and properties of residents necessitated the total ban.
Areas that would be affected by the total ban include Ikeja, Apapa, Lagos Mainland, Surulere, Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ojodu, Onigbongbo and Apapa Iganmu.
As expected, Lagosians on social media read different meanings to the order with some accusing the government of insensitivity.
Those against the policy felt the government did not take into consideration the frustrating traffic situation in areas like Apapa before taking the decision.
One Uche Fortunate who claimed he worked at Apapa said: “Okada ban in Apapa? This seems laughable. Apapa, from Mile 2 to Warehouse road, has been immotorable for years due to terrible roads and over subscription by articulated trucks, that stay up a full month before they can cover a 10min drive. “How do you expect people go to work?”
Joseph Onyeanu said the government should have first provided alternative means of transportation before the total ban, wondering what will become of commuters who would be stranded at bus stops.
“It cannot be a right move without measures to cushion the effect of this. There are no sufficient vehicles to convey the many commuters who will hang around bus stops,” he said.
John Ogunsemore said: “But really, a lot of people will suffer needlessly because of this ban. Many appointments will be missed too. That Apapa especially.”
Supporters of the ban said it would reduce accidents and other dangers associated with motorcycling, adding that the menace of the riders would also be curtailed.
Sele Ijewere said he would love to see the policy implemented in Surulere but added that there might be resistance from the union.
“Surulere? I would really love to see them implement this. It will be hard and there will be resistance. Heavy resistance from NURTW,” he wrote.
One Ademoray said: “Fantastic move, about time we stopped being selfish and started thinking about tourism/tourists/visitors in our midst. Even for our own sanity in Lagos, which is now on the cusp of Yaba left. These madness and disorienting disorganisation on our roads need to give way for order.
“Marwa/Okada/Mobile hailing riders and Danfo drivers are all mental. We have to stop this free range madness one way or the other. We’re not the only country that have these modes of taxiing but ours are just damn too lawless, rude, unhinged and uncultured with no regard for anyone.”