The Lagos State Task Force has embarked on public sensitisation in Ikorodu and its environs.
The exercise focused on sensitising the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), particularly the MOALS branches around the Ikorodu, Ogolonto and Majidun, to comply with the laws, rules and regulations on commercial motorcycle operations.
The agency’s Chairman, Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele, stated that though commercial motorcycle operators were complying with the law, there had been an increase in okada operations on highways, walkways and BRT corridors, routes where their operations are prohibited.
The agency said engaging the leadership of the unions and their members through dialogue, advocacy and sensitisation, could bring compliance.
In a statement, the agency’s Director, Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said the unions agreed to work with the agency to ensure that their members obey the law.
He listed the following as the resolutions they reached with unions: to support the agency in compelling their members to comply with law, especially on restricted routes.; establishment of a union task force to monitor commercial motorcyclists and ensure compliance with the guidelines; and enforcement would continue to complement enforcement.
Any commercial motorcyclist found plying prohibited highways, bridges, BRT corridors or other restricted routes would be arrested and the motorcycle impounded, they resolved.
The agency noted the cooperation of the unions and other stakeholders and urged commercial motorcyclists to take advantage of the exercise by complying with the laws.
The agency said it remains committed to sustaining an approach of advocacy, public education and enforcement to maintain order, safety and sanity on the roads.