The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has directed that all commercial motorcyclists populary referred to as okada, would be required to obtain permits before they can operate within the FCT.
This directive was announced by the Director, Directorate of Road Transport Service(DRTS) of the FCTA, Dr Bello Abdullateef, at the weekly Ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential Communication Team held in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Abdullateef noted that the menace arising from Okada riders is not just about traffic violation but also perpetration of crime, including peddling of hard drugs within the metropolis.
He added that to tackle this menace, it requires a multi sectoral approach. Riders Certification would be introduced for those using motorcycles for dispatch activities, Abdullateef said.
This proposes that a rider must be verified by the Directorate of Road Transport Service before he or she is allowed to operate within Abuja metropolis.
He added that the transport service is remodeling the licensing and regulations as well.
He, however, expressed that a total ban of okada operation has been suggested but it is still being considered.
Some of the contiguous states are already banning. And if we don’t ban it, FCT will be a dumping ground in a few years, Abdullateef said.
Recall that the Lagos state government had yesterday, June 1st, enforced the directive of indefinite ban of okada in six Local Governments of the state.
