LAGOS TASKFORCE TAKES PUBLIC ADVOCACY , SENSITISATION TO TRANSPORT UNION MEMBERS
………warns operators against violating the extant laws.
Sequel to growing concerns expressed by members of the public and notable safety and security stakeholders over the increasing cases of lawlessness, impunity and flagrant disregard for traffic regulations by recalcitrant commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada. the Agency, under the leadership of its Chairman, CSP. Adetayo Akerele embarked on an advocacy and public sensitisation exercise in Ikorodu and its environs.
The exercise focused on educating and sensitising members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), particularly the MOALS branches operating around the Ikorodu, Ogolonto and Majidun areas, on the need to ensure strict compliance with the laws, rules and regulations governing commercial motorcycle operations in Lagos State.
The engagement was conducted in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, which stipulates the routes and areas where commercial motorcycles are permitted to operate.
Speaking at the forum, the Chairman stated that The Agency had, in recent times, reduced enforcement activities within the area owing to the relatively high level of compliance by commercial motorcycle operators. However, recent observations indicate a resurgence of Okada operations on highways, walkways and BRT corridors, routes where their operations are prohibited.
The Agency therefore deemed it necessary to engage the leadership of the transport unions and their members through dialogue, advocacy and sensitisation, with a view to preventing further violations and ensuring sustained compliance.
BILATERAL AGREEMENT;
At the end of the engagement, the transport unions agreed to work collaboratively with the Agency to ensure that their members operate strictly within the confines of the law.
The following resolutions were reached:
1. Union Compliance: The unions agreed to support the Agency in compelling their members to comply with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, particularly with regard to restricted routes.
2. Establishment of Union Taskforce: The leadership of the unions agreed to establish an internal taskforce comprising their members to monitor and oversee commercial motorcycle operations within the Ikorodu, Ogolonto and Majidun areas and ensure compliance with the agreed operational guidelines.
3. Enforcement: The Agency reiterated that advocacy and sensitisation would continue to complement enforcement. However, any commercial motorcycle operator found plying prohibited highways, bridges, BRT corridors or other restricted routes will be arrested and the motorcycle impounded in accordance with the law.
The Agency appreciates the cooperation of the transport unions and other stakeholders and urges commercial motorcycle operators to take advantage of the sensitisation exercise by immediately complying with the applicable laws.
The Agency remains committed to sustaining a balanced approach of advocacy, public education and enforcement in its efforts to maintain order, safety and sanity on the roads across Lagos State.
Gbadeyan Abdulraheem
Director, Public Affairs Lagos State Taskforce
