There are strong indications that President Muhammadu Buhari is considering the possibility of imposing a nationwide ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada) operation, to curb activities of bandits and terrorists, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has said.
According to the AGF, the consideration of the wholesale ban arose from the raging insecurity that has shown no signs of abating despite concerted efforts by security agencies.
“The government would look into that possibility with particular regard to restriction on use and distribution of motorcycles, which is the most conventional logistical means being deployed by terrorists,” Malami said at the State House shortly after a meeting of the National Security Council on Thursday afternoon.
Malami said the determination did not come easy for the administration, warning that Nigerians are likely to bear harsh economic implications arising from the decision.
The Attorney General said Federal authorities have been able to find a nexus between motorcycles, mining operations and insecurity across the country. He, however, failed to clarify why the measure is being considered nationwide.
Commercial motorcycles aka Okada are widely used across Nigeria for both rural and urban transportation due to low operating costs, speed and manoeuverability in heavy traffic and difficult terrains, same properties that make it attractive to bandits, terrorists, robbers and other criminals.
Most states of the federation have since banned their operations.
Lagos State lately banned the operation of Okada in six of its local government areas, amid protests by operators.