There has been a serious national rethinking of Okadas

on one aisle, many believe it's a leading cause of the state of chaos on many Nigerian roads. Cities that have ban okadas or never allowed them to being with (Abj) have traffic that is significantly more orderly and efficient then cities that have kept the practice. Many believe the lack of discipline okada riders typically demonstrate as far as speeding, traffic law violation, drinking and driving, and general recklessness, can best be stemmed by ending the practice all together and in many cases they have been proven right. The civilization of the traffic in many cities has lead to tremendous boom and more often then not the cities that ban okadas have shown the most progressive economic growth.

on the other side, which sadly is the most ignored aisle of the debate, If you take a look at a typical Nigerian city or village you come to realize that the practice of okada driving has provided employment for millions of youths and elderly alike. I can safely say over 10% of Nigeria's working population is a self employed okada driver. It has given many an avenue out of desperation in a society where employment is hard to come by. The banning of Okadas in many cities has, as theorized by many, led to a sharp increase in crime the former okada drivers (typically young men from the east)


when this avenue of employment for young undereducated and under-qualified men is cut, they are forced to find sustenance in other ways, which is hazardous because they're socioeconomic status put them at a unique high disposition to delve into crime.




so where do you stand?

I stand on the fence.