Federal Government Speaks On Keke Napep And Okada Ban In Lagos

The Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi has reacted to the ban on motorcycles and tricycles by the Lagos State Government.

The ban which took effect on February 1 has seen cries from Lagosians who are facing discomfort as a result.

Reacting to the development, the Minister told Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily that it is not in the jurisdiction of the Federal Government to dictate to States on what to do concerning transport policies.

“Implementation of transport policy is essentially a state affair. So you can’t be telling a state whether they want ‘okada’ or tricycles or not. That’s not our responsibility. It is for the state government to decide what to do”, he said.

He also pointed out that the Lagos State Government has a valid reason for imposing the ban.

“Speaking as a former Governor, when I was in Rivers State, they were using motorcycles to rob and kidnap people; and the police could never get them because they were using cars; so I banned motorcycles and we had peace. The number of accidents was also high – the orthopaedic hospital was full every day.

“I don’t know the reason why the Governor of Lagos state banned it; only he can tell you. I am sure he made his decision based on the interests of a majority of Lagosians.

“But he has a problem to face, which is unemployment and increase in crime.”