LASG PARTNERS WITH SIITECH TO STEM THREATS TO LIVES, PROPERTY IN AREAS WHERE OKADA HAS NOT BEEN BANNED

… Begins Digital Registration of Commercial Motorcycles, Tricycles

In order to stem the surge of threat to lives and property in the areas of the State where activities of commercial motorcycles popularly known as okada have not been restricted and banned, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with SIITECH Consulting Limited, is set to begin the digital registration of the Motorcycles (Okada) and Tricycles (Keke Maruwa).

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola made this known today in Gbagada at a Stakeholders’ engagement meeting and launch of the digital application organised for Motorcycle and Tricycle Unions in the State, adding that the move should not be seen as authentication of motorcycles as a viable means of commercial passenger transportation. 

Toriola, who was represented by the Director of Transport Operations in the Ministry, Engr. Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, emphasised that the importance and impact of the digital registration are to enhance the security and safety of lives and property through thorough regulation and efficiency capacity for operators and the community, hence the engagement of Messrs. SIITECH.

Explaining the digital capturing process, the Permanent Secretary stated that all important information will be properly documented and accessible to relevant stakeholders to enable greater transparency in managing and reducing the potential of operators in criminal activities across the State.

The Permanent Secretary, therefore, urged commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators to cooperate with SIITECH and other relevant authorities to ensure a seamless process at the designated centres in the Local Government Areas not yet covered by the ban.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Lagos State Parks and Garages Committee (LASPG), Comrade Musiliu Akinsanya assured that the State Government will always support processes that will enhance safety and security in the State.

Akinsanya, who was represented by the State Secretary of LASPG, Comrade Lemboye Olayiwola, urged its members to make themselves available in areas covered by the registration for a smooth process, which he said, will be done at zonal levels. He also noted that the Committee will continue to enlighten and educate its members on the need to key into the initiative.

Representative of SIITECH Mr. Tijani Pekis reiterated that digital registration of operators is the way to go while soliciting the cooperation of operators. He added that the process will help solve the problem of mushroom operators springing up rapidly in the State.

Also present at the stakeholders’ engagement were the Lagos State Chairmen of Tricycle and Motorcycle Operators, Alhaji Kamoli Bakare and Mr. Azeez Owosheni respectively.

Recall that the Lagos State Government had banned operations of commercial motorcycles in 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 15 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State.