The Lagos State Government on Sunday commended operators of commercial motorcycles (okada) and tricycles (keke) in the state for complying with the ban placed on them in some parts of the state.
The state also announced that a fleet of 65 buses will join the others on some major routes as from Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.
It also disclosed plans to that some 550 buses where being expected by the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the state, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who accessed the compliance level of the operators, said it was over 90 per cent.
Recall that the Lagos State Government had banned okada and keke riders from all roads in 15 local government and council development areas, major highways and bridges, which took effect from February 1.
In a statement on Sunday, Omotosho said: “The level of compliance was over 90 per cent.
“The high level of compliance has shown that Lagosians agree with the government on the need to stop the danger that commercial motorcycles and tricycles have become – a big threat to safety of lives and security of our people. They should stand firm in supporting the government.
“The little discomfort experienced by commuters on some routes due to the absence of motorcycles and tricycles is noted. This will not last, as alternatives are being rolled out.
READ ALSO: Ban On ‘Okada,’ ‘Keke’: Lagos Deploys 65 New Buses Along Major Routes
“A fleet of 65 buses will join the others on some major routes as from Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.”
The commissioner disclosed that no less than 550 more buses were being expected while 14 ferries would be commissioned on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020, to further open up the waterways, reduce travel time on various routes and provide safe, dependable and comfortable alternatives for commuters.
The commissioner said also that the government was not unaware that enforcing the ban might lead to some job losses adding that Gov. Sanwo-Olu, planned to announce some measures to tackle the likely effects of the order.
He therefore cautioned those planning to unleash violence on the state to have a rethink.
“The government hereby warns all those who are planning to unleash violence on the state because of the ongoing enforcement to have a change of heart.
“Lagosians are peace loving and law abiding people, who will not embrace any disruption of their legal activities by failed politicians hiding under the evil of unwholesome activism.
“The law enforcement agents have been directed to ensure that nobody takes the law into his hands.
”The government places a very high premium on law and order in the interest of all Lagosians. It will not fail to act when peace is threatened,” he said.
