Rivers council stops Okada from carrying passengers

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Commercial motorcycles, known as Okada, will stop carrying passengers in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State from 1 August. This decision comes from the local council to tackle insecurity, improve road safety, and restore order on major roads.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Gift Worlu, the council chairperson, shared this news in a statement on Thursday in Port Harcourt. She mentioned that the decision follows worries about how commercial motorcycles are involved in traffic violations, road crashes, and crime.

“The council, after careful consideration and in the overriding interest of residents, has resolved to implement this policy to enhance the protection of lives and property across the local government area,” Mr Worlu said.

According to the directive, commercial motorcycles will not be allowed to carry passengers anywhere in Obio/Akpor starting 1 August.

The statement made it clear that this ban does not apply to privately owned motorcycles for personal use, as long as the riders follow traffic rules. Approved dispatch riders, licensed couriers, logistics companies, emergency responders, and security agencies are also not affected by the ban.

Mr Worlu said that security agencies and council officials will work together to enforce this ban. He urged motorcycle operators to use the time before 31 July to find other options. He added that the council will start public awareness campaigns before the ban takes effect.

The statement did not mention what punishments violators might face, how many commercial motorcycle operators will be impacted, or any plans to ease the economic burden of this policy.

The announcement sparked mixed reactions from local residents. While many support the aim to boost security, they worry about the livelihoods of thousands of riders who rely on Okada for their daily income.

On a Facebook post by Wazobia FM 94.1, some commenters argued that the authorities should offer alternative transport and job options before enforcing the ban. “The concerns about safety and security are understandable, but what about the economic implications?” one commenter, Igwe Raymond, wrote.

Another user, Joy Chinna, asked the council to create new job opportunities for those affected, warning that many families depend on money from commercial motorcycle work.

Others cautioned that the policy might lead to unexpected problems if the displaced riders have no way to earn a living. “It is going to cause an increase in crime rate,” Prince Faith commented, saying that some riders might turn to other means to survive if they lose their jobs.

Chukwuka Ogobunwa backed the security goal but urged the government to provide new income sources for the operators, noting that the timeline for implementing the ban seemed too short given the current economic struggles.

Some residents also pointed out that many riders might move to the nearby Oyigbo Local Government Area, where there are no restrictions in place.

The directive from Obio/Akpor is part of a series of bans on commercial motorcycle operations in Nigeria, often citing security, public safety, and traffic control as reasons.

Rivers State has tried a similar ban before. In 2008, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi stopped commercial motorcycle operations on major roads in Port Harcourt and parts of Obio/Akpor, linking some riders to armed robbery, violent crime, and rising accidents.

More recently, the Abia State Government banned commercial motorcycles in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia due to security worries. Unlike the Obio/Akpor ban, Abia's government added mandatory motorcycle registration, rider identification, and a stronger enforcement framework with security agencies.

Akwa Ibom State has continued its long-standing ban on commercial motorcycles in Uyo. In 2023, the state government reminded everyone that the ban is still active, despite numerous violations, and warned that enforcement will continue to boost public safety and manage traffic. The government stated that commercial tricycles are still the approved option for public transport in those areas.