The use of motorcycles as commercial
means of transport in Nigeria, popularly
known as 'Okada' or 'Achaba' may soon
be banned throughout the country.
The proposal for the ban was made by the
National Council on Transport after its
annual conference in Enugu State and
endorsed by the Minister of Transport,
Sen. Idris Umar.
A statement from the Federal Ministry of
Transport on Saturday evening stated that
the ban of commercial motorcycle was
one of the measures proposed towards
adequate provision of safety and secure
transportation in Nigeria.
It said the recommendation was contained
in a statement of the week long meeting
which had in attendance all the state
commissioners of transport, permanent
secretaries, directors and officials in the
federal and state ministries of transport
across the country.
The council advised all states in the
federation to henceforth discourage the
use of commercial motorcycles as a
means of public transportation.
"All states and the Federal Capital
Territory have therefore been advised to
establish a public transport system that
ensure strict regulation of the operation of
public passenger transportation system
through a well-articulated management
system for enhanced safety, security,
effective and efficient service delivery," the
statement said.
It added, "The states are to also develop
master plans for the development of
intelligent transport system to facilitate
the development and management of their
transport operations in line with emerging
trends and global best practices."
The statement noted that the council also
agreed that all commercial vehicles
should be properly registered in each
state while their enumeration should be
carried out periodically to enhance safety
and security.
