For sometime now, I have observed a steady increase in the number of commercial motorcycles aka Okada plying restricted routes. 2 routes come to mind here:
1. The Ojodu Berger - Ogunnusi road - Ikeja route
2. The Ojodu Berger - Ogba route

This is a worrisome trend that calls for attention as we cannot afford to go back to the old days when Okada reigned supreme on Lagos roads with its attendant cases of accidents and deaths.

As expected, they ride against traffic, disobey traffic lights and do not use protective equipment in addition to riding carelessly thereby constituting a nuisance to other road users.

How To Stem The Tide
Law enforcement agents have been trying but they can do more. However, most okada riders are very recalcitrant and dogged.
How?
1. By fining okada riders' passengers along with the okada riders. If I could be hauled into a waiting KAI van for attempting to cross an expressway, why can't passengers of okada riders on restricted routes be arrested for being accomplices to breaking the state traffic law?

When prospective okada passengers realise that they may be fined for riding okadas on illegal routes along with the riders, they would have a rethink before engaging one.

Consequently, with the ready 'market' of the okada riders taken away, illegal okada riders will have no choice but to return to the inner unrestricted routes.

2. By promptly destroying seized okadas. The truth is that when seized okadas are not destroyed they would eventually find their way back to restricted routes one way or the other.

I think the govt can give this a try.

Thank you for reading.