The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says commercial motorcycle operators, also known as okada riders, now need to obtain a licence to operate within the city and its suburbs.

Director of the directorate of road transport service (DRTS), FCTA, Bello Abdul-Lateef, stated this on Thursday, June 2, 2022 during a media briefing organised by the presidential communication team at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Abdul-Lateef said that aside from traffic violations, the riders were also being used to deliver hard drugs across the city.

“The menace arising from many okada riders is not just about traffic violations but also perpetration of crime,” he said.

“Many okada riders use their motorcycles to deliver hard drugs across the city.

“It requires a multi-sectoral approach to deal with the menace, and this is why we are introducing riders certification for those using okada for dispatch activities.

“Therefore, until you are verified by the directorate of road transport service, you may not be able to ride a bike in the FCT.

“We are remodelling the licensing and regulations as well.

“These would be carried out to dissuade the use of okada in the FCT.

“In fact, a total ban 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 few years from now,” he added.

It is worth noting that Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, announced a ban on okada operations in six local government areas of the state on May 18, 2022.

The directive was announced some days after some okada riders lynched a sound engineer identified as David Imoh in the Lekki axis of the state, according to reports.

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