The government of Lagos State has inaugurated Anti-Okada Squad to enforce its executive order banning activities of commercial motorcyclists, popularly called “Okada ” riders across six Local Government Areas and nine Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, of the state.
The government had, fortnight ago, created the squad and subsequently organized training exercise for memberss.
At least 600 recruited members of the squad for the take-off of the enforcement attended the orientation exercise at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, organized by the state Ministry of Transportation.
In line with the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL), 2018, the Squad, will join the Police to enforce the ban in all affected areas and on all highways, major roads and bridges in the state.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, yesterday, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, said the Special Anti-Okada Squad will be reporting to the Police.
Oladeinde, stressed that the aim for the setting up of the squad is to ensure effective enforcement of the order on the ban.
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.
Oladeinde added that such reports will help the government generate feedback on strategies for the protection of lives and property.
He therefore, warned that individuals arrested (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 and 3 of the TSRL, 2018.
Oladeinde reiterated that motorcycles impounded will be crushed in the public glare.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Kamar Olowoshago, also urged the Anti-Okada personnel to be diligent and honest in the discharge of their duties.
Also at the inauguration was the Commissioner for Housing, Fatai Akinderu, who later presented completion of training certificates to the squad.