In Lagos, Danfo Drivers inflate prices as Okada ban takes effect

The Okada ban has kicked off in Lagos, February 1st after it was announced Monday. The law was reported to have been introduced in 2012 and enforced this year.

NewsWireNGR had reported the announcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles and tricycles in the city’s major residential and business hubs, including Ikeja, the state capital. 

Danfo drivers cash in on Okada ban, hike fare Danfo Drivers inflate price at Oyingbo bus stop as Keke Napep and Okada ban takes effect.

Danfo drivers at Oyingbo and Costain Roundabout inflate price. Oju Elegba from the area instead of N50 is now N100.

Fadeyi fare increased from N100 to N150. Ikeja from Costain Roundabout price increased from N200 to N300. While some passengers refuse to board, others with pressing task have no option.

Costain roundabout “area boys” that use to extort money from Keke and Okada riders were left idle as they take alcohol to control their frustration.

Residents groan as the ban takes effects, the state has defended the ban as necessary for security and safety especially as motorcycles and tricycles are known for a tendency to disregard traffic laws and involvement in accidents.

The government lamented that youths are no longer interested in trades like tailoring, bricklaying, printing, painting and others.

“Now we get artisans from neighbouring countries. Okada is not an enduring trade,” the government stated.

On why it didn’t allow the alternatives to come before sacking the motorcyclists, the Sanwo-Olu administration added, “The picture is horrible, bloody and scary. The government will not stand by and watch this bloody encounters to continue. Besides, the security of lives of Lagosians are of paramount interest to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. This is why it is moving to stop this fast slide into lawlessness.”

In the meantime, Vanguard Newspaper reports that In spite of the commencement of the ban, security personnel were seen driving Okada in the areas the law was supposed to be enforced.

The affected councils are:

Apapa LG

Apapa Iganmu LCDA

Lagos Mainland LG

Yaba LCDA

Surulere LG

Itire-Ikate LCDA

Coker-Aguda LCDAs

Ikeja LG

Onigbongbo LCDAs

Ojodu LCDAs

Eti-Osa LG Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA

Iru/Victoria Island LCDAs

Lagos Island LG Lagos Island East LCDA.